May 14, 2025- Amid a national nursing shortage, the AdventHealth East Florida Division is taking action by expanding its nursing workforce, enhancing hands-on training programs, and reinforcing its commitment to exceptional patient care across its seven hospitals in Flagler, Lake, and Volusia counties.
In the past year, the division hired more than 800 new nurses and opened a second center for education and simulation to help nurses gain hands-on experience before they step into a hospital room.
“Nurses are at the heart of our care. When we support them, we’re also supporting the health of every family in our community,” said Michele Goeb-Burkett, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for the AdventHealth East Florida Division. “Our goal is to create a place where nurses have what they need to stay and grow, so they can keep showing up with compassion and expertise.”
Today, more than 4,000 nurses – including registered nurses, graduate nurses, and licensed practical nurses – care for patients across the AdventHealth East Florida Division’s nearly 1,500 inpatient beds, nine ERs, and 75 physician practice locations.
In 2024, the AdventHealth East Florida Division noted the following nursing milestones:
- Retention: 100% of graduate nurses in the residency program stayed on after one year.
- Nurse tech program: Exceeded recruitment goal by 125%, giving students early clinical experience.
- Nurse residency program: Surpassed goal for new graduate nurse hiring.
- International hiring: Welcomed 93 globally trained nurses.
- New nurse hires: Added 816 registered nurses and graduate nurses to the team.
- Professional growth: 30% of registered nurses are enrolled in a program that supports advancement in clinical skills and leadership.