UF Health mentorship program inspires next generation of Gator nurses

The homegrown nurse leaders of tomorrow may soon sprout from Gainesville’s own backyard,  thanks to a new UF-led community outreach and mentorship effort. Launched to improve diversity and retention in the health care workforce, UF Health and the UF College of Nursing recently concluded a first-ever nurse mentorship program for more than 20 Eastside High School students.

A select number of students also received full funding to earn their Certified Nursing Assistant license through Gator CNA, a preparatory course that offers the nursing assistant competency exam. That will allow them to secure an entry-level clinical job at UF Health and could serve as both a model for underserved students to enter jobs in health care after graduation.

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