Six AdventHealth hospitals earn national accreditation for nurse residency program

Six hospitals in Florida are the latest AdventHealth facilities to earn national accreditation for their nurse residency program – a recognition that affirms their commitment to developing and retaining early-career nurses.

With this achievement, the AdventHealth East Florida Division becomes the first in the organization to earn accreditation across multi-practice settings, including medical-surgical, step-down, intensive care and emergency departments.

The Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP), awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, is considered the gold standard for nurse residency programs nationwide. It signals to patients, families and the broader community that these hospitals offer the kind of structured, supportive environment where new nurses can grow, gain confidence and build long-term careers.

The accreditation applies to AdventHealth Daytona Beach, DeLand, Fish Memorial, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast, and Waterman — all part of the AdventHealth East Florida Division, the largest hospital system in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties. With more than 1,400 beds and 11,000 team members, the division cares for nearly 1.3 million patient visits each year.

“This recognition reflects the heart of who we are at AdventHealth,” said Amy Piazza, director of Nursing Professional Development for the AdventHealth East Florida Division. “We don’t just hire nurses; we grow them, walk beside them and help them discover their purpose within our mission. This accreditation is proof that our Nurse Residency Program provides more than a clinical foundation. It gives new nurses a place to belong.”

This national honor builds on the division’s ongoing investments in its nursing workforce. In the past year alone, AdventHealth East Florida hired more than 800 new nurses, opened a second education and simulation center in DeLand, and expanded mentoring and training programs across its seven hospitals and 75 practice locations.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to supporting new nurses through structured, evidence-based residency programs that build confidence, competence and connection from day one,” said Kathy Gover, vice president of Nursing Professional Development for AdventHealth. “I am grateful to the nursing professional development team, clinical leaders, preceptors and team members who made this possible. Their dedication is shaping the future of nursing and advancing whole-person care across our communities.”

The PTAP accreditation follows a rigorous evaluation, including an in-depth review of how each hospital supports nurses during their first year — from hands-on training to emotional and mental wellness resources.

“This is a milestone moment for our division,” Piazza said. “It marks the beginning of a new chapter where our residency program stands among the best in the country.”