In a little more than 10 years, the state could face a shortfall of nearly 60,000 nurses, according estimates by the Florida Hospital Association. With such a great need for skilled nurses hanging in the balance, AdventHealth implemented several programs, including partnerships with schools to train new nurses onsite at hospitals within specialized Dedicated Education Units (DEUs).
One such DEU located at AdventHealth Waterman saw its inaugural class of nursing students trained in partnership with Lake Sumter State Collage in 2022. Among the students in this first group was Christina Vega, who recently graduated and is now finding success in her new career.
After graduating magna cum laude, Vega passed the National Council Licensure Examination in June.
Vega credits this DEU experience for her success.
“My confidence in my skill set has improved,” Vega recently shared during an interview with the Triangle News Leader, adding that the culture at AdventHealth Waterman and her time in the DEU helped her to improve her communication skills with patients and ability to handle wound care, IV insertions and echocardiograms.
Now a registered nurse, Vega began a 20-week program this month at AdventHealth Waterman and is paired with an experienced nurse, giving her additional real-world experience.
“It’s been a tough journey; it’s been challenging but exciting,” Vega said, adding that the experience of working alongside nurse techs, paramedics and others gave her an immense amount of hands-on training. “It’s a great program.”
6 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow.
Final steel beam marks key step in AdventHealth Daytona Beach expansion
Local leaders, officials, and construction workers gathered today to commemorate a major milestone in the expansion underway at AdventHealth Daytona Beach: placing the final steel beam.
New physician is joining AdventHealth’s growing Primary Care team
AdventHealth is excited to introduce Eugenio L. Menendez, DO, FACP, to our community of care. He is joining the team at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at Hendersonville* following the...
New visitor shuttle unveiled at AdventHealth Heart of Florida
AdventHealth Heart of Florida and AdventHealth Polk Foundation leaders are delighted to unveil a new courtesy visitor shuttle meant to enhance accessibility and comfort for patients.
Orthopedic surgeon returns to AdventHealth
Dr. Jeffrey Keen, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult reconstruction, orthopedic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and sports medicine, has returned to AdventHealth Medical...
Hundreds of transplant patients and their families reunite with AdventHealth Transplant Institute caregivers
In recognition of National Donate Life Month, nearly 300 transplant patients and their families enjoyed AdventHealth’s 2025 transplant reunion.
Ashley and Jimmy celebrate life together after kidney donation
According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 101,000 people are currently on the organ transplant list in need of a new kidney. However, only about 17,000 transplants happen each year —...