Title: Nurse Administrative Executive Fellow
Location: UF College of Nursing, Gainesville campus
Duration: 12 months
Reports to: Dean, UF College of Nursing and UF Health System Chief Nurse Executive
Program Overview
UF College of Nursing and UF Health Nurse Administrative Executive Fellowship
The Nurse Administrative Executive Fellowship is a one-year immersive experience designed for a doctorally-prepared nurse aspiring to lead at the intersection of academic nursing and health system leadership. This distinctive opportunity offers direct shadowing of Dr. Shakira Henderson in her integrated role as Dean of the University of Florida College of Nursing and System Chief Nurse Executive of UF Health—providing unmatched insight into executive-level strategy, academic innovation, and operational excellence across a leading academic health system.
The fellowship begins with a structured, month-long rotational shadowing experience across select departments—such as Finance, Human Resources, Operational Excellence, Simulation, Clinical Operations, and Strategic Communications—curated to provide a comprehensive understanding of how system functions support both clinical care and academic missions.
Following the initial rotations, fellows transition into a guided, project-based phase where they lead high-priority initiatives aligned with organizational goals. With close mentorship, fellows will shape, manage, and implement impactful projects that bridge academic and health system objectives. They will also participate in senior leadership and executive cabinet meetings, engage in strategic planning, and contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives across UF Health and the College of Nursing.
This fellowship uniquely prepares future nurse leaders to succeed in complex roles spanning healthcare delivery, education, and system transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership Development: Work closely with senior nursing leadership and executive teams to gain insight into hospital administration, College operations, and policy development.
- Operational Management: Assist in evaluating and improving academic workflows, nursing workflows, resource allocation, and patient care initiatives.
- Project Management: Lead or contribute to administrative projects focusing on quality improvement, patient safety, workforce management, and operational efficiency.
- Financial & Budgeting Acumen: Gain exposure to financial planning, budgeting processes, and cost containment strategies in a healthcare setting and the College.
- Regulatory Compliance & Policy Development: Support nursing leadership in ensuring compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with key areas, including Environmental Services, Dietary, Nursing, Finance, Physical Therapy, Financial Services, Radiology and the Operating Room, Office of Student Services, Academic Affairs, Faculty Affairs, and Experiential Learning to obtain a clearer idea of the foundation of the hospital and the College, and how each employee contributes to the overall patient experience.
- Professional Development & Mentorship: Participate in leadership training, executive mentoring, and professional networking opportunities.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a related field (e.g., Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Business Administration, or a similar discipline).
- Master’s degree (MSN, MHA, MPH, MBA with a healthcare focus
- Doctoral degree in nursing.
Experience:
- Minimum of 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience preferred.
- Previous involvement in healthcare administration, academia, quality improvement, or leadership initiatives is a plus.
Skills and Competencies:
- Demonstrated leadership skills with a strong passion for academic healthcare administration.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and healthcare management software is preferred.
Program Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Hands-on leadership training with executive mentorship.
- Exposure to high-level strategic decision-making.
- Opportunities to lead impactful healthcare and academic projects.
- Potential career advancement within the UF College of Nursing upon completion.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Resume detailing clinical experience, leadership roles, and relevant projects.
- Cover Letter (addressed to the UF College of Nursing Selection Committee) outlining career aspirations and interest in nursing-specific healthcare administration. (1 page)
- Personal Statement including professional goals and expectations of the fellowship (1-2 pages)
- Official Graduate Transcript
- Up to three signed letters of recommendation (at least 1 professional and 1 academic)
For inquiries, contact the College of Nursing HR team at conhr@health.ufl.edu.