Preparing the next generation of nurses in DeLand

DELAND, Fla. — Prior to graduating and serving patients of their own, eight nursing students are now part of a new program of clinical training and patient interaction in AdventHealth DeLand’s orthopedic and medical-surgical unit.

This immersive experience will allow for a smooth transition from student to professional nurse and is called a Dedicated Education Unit, part of a partnership between the hospital and AdventHealth University.

This marks the first AdventHealth University-supported dedicated education unit serving the East Florida Division’s hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties.

The program benefits patients by adding extra support at the bedside, while also helping students gain confidence as they prepare for their nursing careers. It also supports the community by helping prepare nurses who are familiar with local care settings and patient needs.

During the seven-week session, each student is paired with a nurse mentor and works alongside them throughout their shift. This steady mentorship allows students to build skills, ask questions in real time, and better understand the day-to-day work of caring for patients in the hospital.

Instead of rotating between units or instructors, students remain with the same nurse, creating trust, consistency, and a stronger learning experience.

“Our nurses are helping students learn more than clinical skills,” said Kristy Butwinick, nursing professional development manager at AdventHealth DeLand. “They’re learning how to be present with patients and families, how to listen, and how to care for the whole person. That kind of learning stays with you long after the rotation ends.”

For Alana Eagan, an AdventHealth University nursing student and DeLand native, the experience is both personal and exploratory.

A graduate of DeLand High School’s health academy program and a recipient of AdventHealth’s Racing to Excellence Nursing scholarship, Eagan says the DEU is giving her a closer look at the day-to-day realities of nursing at her hometown hospital. She hopes the experience will help her build on the knowledge and skills she has already gained.

“I’m excited to see what I could do in the future,” Eagan said.

Research in the Journal of Nursing Education and Practice shows that nursing students in DEUs report higher confidence and stronger readiness for practice than students in traditional clinical placements. Students assigned to DEUs were more likely to say unit nurses actively helped them develop clinical skills and supported them in taking ownership of their learning.

“Our students are so grateful for this new, nearby opportunity to grow and learn,” said Arlene Johnson, PhD, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, RN, dean of AdventHealth University’s Department of Nursing. “Studies show the value and outcomes of Dedicated Education Units in nursing education, and we are pleased to expand the locations our students are able to experience this immersive instruction.”

Building on established AHU-focused DEUs at AdventHealth Orlando, the DeLand unit reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based clinical education. The East Florida Division also supports this model across its hospitals in collaboration with other academic institutions.

To learn more about AdventHealth University’s nursing degrees, visit ahu.edu.

About AdventHealth University

AdventHealth University (AHU) is a leader in health care education, transforming the science and practice of whole-person care and developing professionals with uncommon compassion. The university seeks to develop skilled professionals who live the healing values of Christ and works in collaboration with AdventHealth to effectively extend His healing ministry. With sites in Orlando, Tampa and Denver, AHU offers certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and online programs, including Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Sciences, Medical Lab Sciences, Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Healthcare Administration, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Radiography and Spiritual Care.