Hands-on program gives nursing students real experience and inspiration

At AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, a hands-on learning program is giving nursing students the chance to step out of the classroom and into real hospital rooms, guided by experienced nurses every step of the way.

The Dedicated Education Unit (DEU), launched in partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Nursing, pairs 10 students with a nurse mentor for four weeks each semester. Together, they care for patients in the hospital’s progressive care and intensive care units, gaining confidence and sharpening their clinical skills through consistent, one-on-one support.

“It’s like learning to swim by jumping in with a coach instead of sitting on the bleachers,” said Carla Johnson, RN, executive director of nursing and clinical operations at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “Students grow more confident with each shift, and our nurses get the chance to pass on what they’ve learned. It’s good for everyone involved.”

The students don’t just shadow; they actively participate. They work both day and night shifts, provide bedside care, and gradually develop the knowledge and instincts every nurse needs. Many finish the program with a clearer vision of their future.

“I thought critical care would be overwhelming,” said Nicholas Muneaton, a senior at UCF. “But now I know it’s what I want to do. The one-on-one mentoring made all the difference.”

Though the rotation is just four weeks, faculty say it’s transformational.

“The growth we see over the month is huge,” said Angela Wheat, professor at UCF’s College of Nursing. “Every student walked away saying it changed how they think about nursing. That kind of feedback is rare.”

It’s not just the students who gain something from the experience. Nurses say the program brings renewed focus, energy, and connection to their work.

“Their excitement reminds us why we chose this path,” said Ian Barnett, RN, assistant nurse manager at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “It’s contagious; you can’t help but be inspired when someone is seeing it all for the first time.”

The DEU at New Smyrna Beach is part of a broader effort across AdventHealth to invest in the next generation of nurses. Since 2022, AdventHealth has launched three dozen DEUs in partnership with colleges and universities across Florida. The first opened at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares in collaboration with Lake-Sumter State College, followed by a second at AdventHealth Winter Park with Seminole State College.

Through these DEUs, AdventHealth hopes to increase the number of nursing graduates it hires from UCF, AdventHealth University, and other programs.

Locally, the DEU in New Smyrna Beach has welcomed 20 UCF students over the past two years. Ten senior-level students completed the program in 2024, and another 10 junior students – now entering their senior year – participated this spring.

One DEU student has already been hired at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach.

“This program flips a switch,” said Dawn White, RN, senior nurse manager at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “It reminds our nurses how meaningful this work really is. And for students, it opens their eyes to what they’re capable of.”

Some students have already applied for AdventHealth’s nurse residency program, and more are expected to follow.

Junior nursing student Franchesca Gonzalez summed it up best: “We’re learning how to care for people in moments that matter most. That’s something you can’t get from a textbook.”

AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach plans to continue the program each semester, building a bridge between today’s caregivers and the next generation.

“We open the door wide for them,” said Johnson. “Because once they’re here, they become part of the AdventHealth family – and that’s how we build strong teams that last.”