Nursing scholarship recipients from the University of South Florida recognized

Tampa, FL – HCA Healthcare West Florida Division hosted an HCA Florida Healthcare Scholarship Recognition Dinner on August 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement. Here 20 University of South Florida (USF) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students were recognized for being awarded $5,000 scholarships from HCA Florida Healthcare with the potential for a LINE funding match from the state. The nursing students began their studies in May 2023 and include:

Anissa Ahmed, Kayla Aska, Kristen Boyd, Dorey Castillo, Jazmine Dehinde-Roberson, Destiny Ducasse, Emily Estrada, Savannah Freeman, Christine Gregory, Maryann Herring, Christina Hon, Azure Kelly, Jurdina Lamour, Brittany Moyse, Kamila Rivera, Abby Robins, Natalie Rosado, Carolina Vargas Marmolejos, Tatum Willingham and Lexie Yarinsky.

“We are excited to support these future nurses and the USF College of Nursing with our shared passion for meeting the growing demand for nurses in our state,” said Leanne Salazar, DNP, MBA, ARNP, CENP, CPPS, CPHQ, FNP-BC, chief nurse executive for HCA Healthcare West Florida Division. “We are also a proud sponsor of the College of Nursing’s free tutoring program for nurse students as we continue to explore new ways to identify and support the next generation of nurses.”

“Our collaboration with HCA Healthcare West Florida Division has addressed many barriers to expanding the nursing workforce,” said Dena Evans, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, professor and vice dean for academic affairs at the USF College of Nursing. “ By removing financial barriers for 20 Accelerated BSN students, expanding access to clinical placement sites with HCA Healthcare West Florida facilities, and extending our academic support capacity, HCA Healthcare West Florida division has demonstrated its trailblazing spirit and commitment to ensuring that our state has the highly skilled and educated nursing workforce needed to care for our growing population.”

HCA Healthcare West Florida Division has committed $800,000 in LINE Fund matching dollars to nursing programs in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties. The LINE Fund was established by the Florida Legislature to encourage collaboration among nursing education programs and health care partners to combat the growing nursing shortage in the state. It provides matching funds to participating programs that partner with health care partners.

In addition to the LINE funding, HCA Healthcare West Florida Division continues to advance its academic partnerships with 19 area nursing schools now in place.