Frontline Nursing

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In this episode, Dr. Oliviera shares Hawaii nursing workforce research findings, research on the well-being of the nursing workforce, and the pros and cons of travel nursing.

Carrie M. Oliveira, PhD, is the Associate Director & Workforce Researcher for the Hawaii State Center for Nursing. Dr. Oliveira designs and deploys the data collection and reporting strategy for Hawaii's largest body of nursing workforce data. Dr. Oliveira works to ensure that Hawaii's nursing workforce data are translated into impactful reports used by legislators, nurse executives, and other leaders in health care and nursing education to influence workforce development programs and policies.

In addition to her work at the Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Dr. Oliveira engages with her colleagues across the country to support best practices in nursing workforce data collection. As the Chair of the Research Committee of the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, she has led the revisions of the Forum's minimum dataset documents, which provide guidance to states for the collection of nursing workforce supply, demand, and education data. Dr. Oliveira also collaborated with colleagues from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to co-author the 2020 and 2024 editions of the National Nursing Workforce Survey which describes the characteristics of the nation's nursing workforce.

Links

Hawaii State Center for Nursing

National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

Florida Center for Nursing

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The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

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This episode features Tera Gross, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, FACHE, discussing nurse leadership, quick decision-making during COVID, and the joy of connecting with nursing staff and students.

Dr. Gross serves as Chief Nursing Officer at Mayo Clinic in Florida and as Adjunct Faculty for the Florida State University College of Nursing. As Chair and Chief Nurse of the Department of Nursing, she provides strategic leadership focused on transforming health care delivery through high-reliability systems that advance exceptional outcomes for patients, health care professionals, and organizations.

With more than 25 years of nursing experience, Dr. Gross has been nationally recognized for her leadership in nursing practice, workforce transformation, and professional development.

Links

American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)

American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)

Florida Center for Nursing

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The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

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In this episode, Keisa Heard, MS, LPN, discusses the importance of licensed practical nurses for every care team.

Keisa Heard, MS, LPN, is a dedicated nursing professional, advocate, and health care leader with a strong commitment to supporting licensed practical nurses and advancing the nursing profession. As the first-ever LPN Director on the Florida Nurses Association Board of Directors, she is passionate about ensuring LPN voices and perspectives are represented in decisions that impact nurses and the patients they serve.

Heard has built much of her career in behavioral health, currently serving as a Care Coordinator specializing in Behavioral Health and Collaborative Care. She holds a Practical Nursing diploma from Keiser Career College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Social Science from Bethune-Cookman University, and a Master of Science in Psychology from Walden University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Heard is committed to helping LPNs feel seen, supported, connected, and empowered while strengthening their role within the nursing profession.

Links 

Florida Nurses Association

Florida Center for Nursing

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The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

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This episode features Jennifer Hitt, PhD, RN, CNE, discussing the importance of quantitative research, connecting with frontline nurses to inform advocacy, and expanding the definition of the nursing pipeline.

Dr. Jennifer Hitt serves as the Executive Director of the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement, the state’s dedicated workforce development office for nursing. A recognized leader in the field, Dr. Hitt currently serves at the President of the Tennessee Nurses Association and previously served as the President of the Mississippi Nurses Association. She also has contributed to the profession through her service on ANA, AACN, and AONL committees, and as a federal site evaluator for CCNE. Dr. Hitt holds a BS in Physics from the University of Mississippi, a BSN from the University of Memphis, an MSN from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and a PhD in Nursing Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. As a researcher, her work focuses on advancing solutions to critical nursing workforce challenges, wellness in nursing, and population health initiatives.

Links

Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement

Tennessee Nurses Association

Mississippi Nurses Association

Florida Center for Nursing

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The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

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This episode features Viji George, DNP, MA, RN, RNC-NIC, NEA-BC, in conversation with Florida Center for Nursing Executive Director and podcast host Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, FAAN. Dr. George talks about the value of recognition, cultivating patience to grow, and approaching new opportunities with an open mind.

Dr. Viji George has work experience including multinational health care clinical & leadership experience as military nursing officer, staff development administrator, program director of clinical & nursing excellence, global leader mentor and leadership consultant. Her achievements include a doctorate in nursing practice on nurse executive leadership, an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Fellow, a Health Science Research Fellow, an AMN Chief Nursing Officer Academy alumna, certified EBP faculty and a certified resiliency training facilitator. Her professional passions have led to international ventures such as becoming Sigma’s Global Leadership Mentoring Community mentor and coordinator, International Leadership Succession Committee member, President of AAA chapter and regional coordinator of Sigma Region 7. She is a proud member of ANEI (first international member). She has actively participated in ANEI programs including conducting leadership and EBP workshops.

She co-founded Indo-American Evidence-based practice fellowship academy through collaboration with Johns Hopkins Nursing EBP. She was nationally highlighted by Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation, received awards such as DFW Great 100 Nurse, D Magazine Nurse Excellence in Leadership, & Visionary Leader award. Her latest accomplishment in 2026 is induction as Fellow American Academy of Nurses.

Links

Florida Center for Nursing

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Find FCN on social media

The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

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This episode features MacKenzie Simmons, BSN, RN, discussing the transition from nursing student to nurse, early career nurse turnover, and her message from Gen Z to seasoned nurses. 

MacKenzie Simmons, BSN, RN, is a cardiovascular intensive care (CVICU) nurse with two years of bedside nursing experience. She serves as the Early Career Director for the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) and is the Chair of the Clinical Practice Council (CPC) at UF Health Jacksonville. Passionate about nursing leadership, professional advocacy, and empowering the next generation of nurses, MacKenzie is committed to advancing the nursing profession through education and policy engagement. She will begin pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Florida College of Nursing, where she plans to further her impact on patient care, leadership, and healthcare advocacy. 

Links 

Florida Nurses Association 

No One Tells You This podcast 

National Student Nurses' Association

Florida Center for Nursing 

Subscribe to FCN’s newsletter 

Find FCN on social media 

The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

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Featured guest Julianne Colle, DNP, RN, discusses connecting with patients, engaging students, and serving on the FCN Board of Directors. 

Dr. Julianne Colle is a Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared registered nurse, health care leader, and nursing educator with 17 years of experience in surgical services and ambulatory care. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about improving health care operations, leading quality improvement initiatives, and helping teams work more effectively to deliver exceptional patient care. 

In addition to her leadership experience, Dr. Colle serves as Adjunct Faculty at the Florida State University College of Nursing, where she has taught in simulation, health assessment, and nursing leadership courses. She is deeply committed to developing the next generation of nurses and advancing the profession through evidence-based practice, innovation, mentorship, and leadership. 

Dr. Colle serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Center for Nursing and is an active member of the Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership. She has played a key role in reestablishing the Panhandle Organization for Nursing Leadership in Northwest Florida and currently serves as the chapter’s Secretary, helping connect, support, and develop nurse leaders across the region. 

Her work focuses on creating positive change within health care systems while strengthening the nursing workforce, advancing nursing leadership, and improving outcomes for both patients and care teams. 

Links 

Florida State University College of Nursing 

Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership 

Florida Center for Nursing 

Subscribe to FCN’s newsletter 

Find FCN on social media 

The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

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In this episode, Florida Center for Nursing’s new Chief of Staff Sharon Owen, MBA, BSN, RN, discusses how her work caring for terrorists in Iraq led to her current role. 

Sharon is a seasoned health care executive, former Army Captain, and the current Chief of Staff for the Florida Center for Nursing (FCN). In this strategic role, she drives organizational alignment, cross-functional initiatives, and long-term planning to advance FCN’s mission and strategic plan.  

Sharon began her career in uniform, serving seven years on active duty as an Army nurse, including two deployments to Iraq. Her leadership and clinical expertise in trauma, ER, and clinic operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom earned her the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. She was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal for her relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina.  

Transitioning to civilian healthcare, Sharon launched a successful legal nurse consulting business before stepping into executive leadership. In 2017, she became the Administrator of the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Tampa General Hospital. Under her leadership, the center decreased expenses, grew surgical case volumes, and successfully navigated a high-profile change of ownership. Most recently, Sharon served as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the USF College of Nursing, where she executed the college’s strategic plan and launched innovative programs, including the Registered Nurse First Assistant program and the Nurse Leadership in Sustainability course.  

Sharon holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Capital University (2004) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida (2017).  

Links 

Florida Center for Nursing 

Subscribe to FCN’s newsletter 

Find FCN on social media 

The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

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This episode features Charrita Ernewein, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, SANE-A, FAANP. She speaks with podcast host and Florida Center for Nursing Executive Director Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, FAAN, about using research to inform care, representing Florida nurse practitioners, and the importance of human trafficking education.

Dr. Ernewein is a family nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics. She is an Assistant Professor at The University of Tampa and works for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Dr. Ernewein completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, her Master of Science and her Doctoral Nurse Practitioner at South University, and her PhD at University of Central Florida. Dr. Ernewein holds a national certification with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, a certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, and is certified as a Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

Dr. Ernewein is a strong advocate within the community, working closely with professional organizations and community resources regarding the topics of human trafficking and vulnerable populations. She has also been published in the Journal of Nurse Practitioners, Human Trafficking: Recognition, Referral and Treatment. Her dissertation focused on “Survivors of Human Trafficking and their Reintegration into the Community.” She has also published several book chapters on the topic of human trafficking.

Dr. Ernewein is the President of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN), Chairperson of the Shared Hope International Board of Directors, Director of the FREE Network, President of Sigma Theta Tau Delta Beta Chapter, Past-President of the Tampa Bay Advanced Practice Nurse Council Group, member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and member of the Black Nurses Association

Links

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

Shared Hope International 

Florida Nurse Practitioner Network

Florida Center for Nursing

Subscribe to FCN’s newsletter

Find FCN on social media

The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

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This episode features Cathleen Paton, DNP, RN, CCRN, a 33-year veteran nurse, discussing transitioning from clinical to nursing faculty, the importance of support, and retention strategies. 

Cathleen Paton is a 33-year nurse, graduating with her ADN from Indian River Community College in 1993, from Florida Atlantic University (2002) with her MSN and from University of Central Florida with her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2022. She worked as a staff nurse in PCU and Surgical/Neuro ICU, as a nurse resource for night shift staff, and then moved into leadership as a nursing director over the critical care areas until 2016.  

She transitioned into nursing education as an Assistant Professor of Nursing for her alma mater, now Indian River State College, in 2017, where she currently teaches Nursing Fundamentals in the ADN Program and Nursing Leadership in the BSN program. She specifically teaches clinical readiness, test taking skills and professional communication. She sits on a local hospital Recruitment & Retention Council as well as chairs the Student Success Committee at IRSC which has several initiatives based on student retention, developing professionalism and communication in entry-level students. She has a personal interest in professional identity development of these students in order to promote their successful transition into entry level practice.  

Links 

Indian River State College 

Florida Center for Nursing 

Subscribe to FCN’s newsletter 

Find FCN on social media 

The Florida Center for Nursing

The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse 

The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

The Florida Center for Nursing is proudly headquartered at the University of South Florida College of Nursing.