A Message from the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

The fact that Shands at the University of Florida achieved Magnet designation in recognition of nursing excellence speaks loudly to my personal commitment to ensure that nurses here are supported--and expected--to achieve a high level of professional practice.

Rose Rivers, PhD, RN, CNAA, BA
Vice President for Nursing and Patient Services--
Shands at the University of Florida

Our shared vision in nursing service is to continuously set new standards of excellence in autonomous and accountable nursing practice, committed to patient advocacy and innovative patient care in a climate of trust and collaboration. We are proud to practice nursing in a high-tech and high-touch academic environment, where numerous opportunities exist for nurses to individually and collectively advance their practice. Nursing governance is shared through our clinical governance model. This councilor structure provides the mechanism to ensure nurses at all levels are actively involved in decisions impacting nursing practice.

Other hallmarks of our success in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment include evidence base practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, expert consultations, professional development, and recognition. Patient care is the central theme and nurses are central to patient care. Therefore, we are focused on sustaining an environment that promotes our nurses' ability to practice the art and science of nursing in a way that minimizes burnout and restores joy.

As chief nursing officer, my role is to lead the nursing service in our quest for excellence. I believe that nursing leaders are obligated to create and sustain an environment within which their teams can grow and develop professionally. It is the role of nursing leadership to promote caring for the caregivers. I maintain an open door policy and actively encourage staff participation and feedback. It is very important to me to engage all of our nurses in dialogue for the purposes of enhancing patient care, improving the work environment, and advancing professional nursing practice.

Nursing at Shands at the University of Florida is both challenging and rewarding. There are so many exciting and stimulating areas from which to choose. If you have a passion and drive to make a positive difference, consider joining a nursing team that provides experienced care and expert caring. We are a Force of Excellence!

But that's not the end of our commitment to your success. Because Shands at UF also provides extensive orientation, professional development and educational opportunities, including our unique advanced practice internships, shadowing program, research and leadership fellowships, preceptors, retreats, access to the Health Science Center Library and more.