The University of Florida College of Nursing welcomed a record number of parents, family members and supporters to campus for its Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing Family and Supporter Orientation, giving those closest to the newest Gator Nurses an inside look at the journey ahead.
With more than 200 family members and supporters in attendance on Aug. 9, the orientation highlighted the important role they can play as students begin a rigorous academic program.
Shakira Henderson DNP, MS, MPH, MBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC,dean, chief administrative officer and Linda Harman Aiken Chair of the UF College of Nursing, as well as system chief nurse executive and associate vice president for nursing education, practice and research for UF Health, welcomed attendees and emphasized that the students selected for the program have already demonstrated the ability and potential to succeed.
“This is a rigorous program, but your students were selected because we believe in them and know they can succeed,” Henderson said. “They are going to need your support along the way.”
The orientation gave families an opportunity to better understand what their students will experience during the program and how they can help them navigate the demands of nursing education. Among the questions from parents and supporters were practical ones, including what students’ schedules would look like and how the program’s demands would affect their daily lives.
But Henderson encouraged families to look beyond the immediate challenges of nursing school and consider the larger journey their students are beginning.
She shared a simple philosophy for the students’ path: learn, earn and return.
First, she encouraged students to learn as much as they can, immersing themselves in their education, clinical experiences and the opportunities available to them.
Then comes the opportunity to earn, not only a livelihood, but the respect and confidence that comes with becoming a professional nurse and finding a place in the healthcare field.
Finally, Henderson challenged students to return and give back.
That could mean mentoring future nursing students, serving as a preceptor, becoming an educator or finding other ways to help prepare the next generation of nurses.
The message reflects the College of Nursing’s broader vision for its graduates: to enter the profession prepared not only to provide exceptional patient care, but also to lead, teach and strengthen nursing for those who follow.
For those attending orientation, the day offered a chance to begin that journey alongside their students.