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This episode features Amber Santos, DNP, MBA, RN, CNE, discussing immersive learning through virtual reality and artificial intelligence, pursuing excellence not perfection, and using technology to augment nursing education.

Amber Santos is an accomplished nursing professional with over two decades of experience spanning pediatric care, research, leadership, and academia. She serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Innovation and Immersive Learning at Jacksonville University’s Keigwin School of Nursing, where she leads initiatives that integrate cutting-edge technologies including virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive simulation into nursing education. A Certified Nurse Educator, Dr. Santos is dedicated to advancing innovative teaching strategies that enhance student engagement, foster clinical judgment, and promote a seamless transition to professional practice.

Links

Jacksonville University’s Keigwin School 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.

Love Frontline Nursing? Let us know

Our first Frontline Nursing episode of Season 3 features Jayne Willis, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP. In this episode, Dr. Willis discusses discovering a new pathway in nursing education, addressing low NCLEX pass rates in Florida, and finding a place at the table.

Dr. Jayne Willis is a Lecturer and Co-Director of the University of Central Florida College of Nursing’s Executive Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program, where she prepares nurse leaders to navigate complex health systems through evidence-based practice, policy engagement, and systems thinking. Drawing on decades of executive experience, she is deeply committed to developing transformational leaders who can advance health care at the organizational and systems levels.

Following a distinguished 40-year career at Orlando Health, where she served as Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Dr. Willis transitioned to academia to shape the next generation of nursing executives. Her leadership extends well beyond the classroom into statewide and professional arenas.

Dr. Willis serves as Team Leader for the Nursing Action Coalition of Florida (NACFL) initiative, focused on strengthening nursing education by leading collaborative efforts to enhance educational infrastructure, advance workforce development, and align academic preparation with Florida’s evolving healthcare needs.

She is President of the Florida Nurses Foundation and serves on the board of the Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership. Her contributions to nursing leadership and the profession have been recognized with the Florida Nurses Association President’s Award and the University of Central Florida Outstanding Alumni Leadership Award.

Dr. Willis earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University, her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nursing Practice from the University of Central Florida. She is board-certified as a Nurse Executive–Advanced and as a Certified Executive in Nursing Practice.

Links

Nursing Action Coalition of Florida

University of Central Florida College of Nursing

Florida Nurses Foundation

Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership

Florida Center for Nursing

Subscribe to FCN Email Communications

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.

Love Frontline Nursing? Let us know

As we bring 2025 to a close, this episode looks back at what we’ve learned from our diverse array of guests. Three key themes emerged from our conversations this year: nursing opportunities, mentorship, and self-care.

Featured guests:

• Susan Parda-Watters, DNP, MMOAS, MSN, APRN/ACNS-BC, CMSRN, Board Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ret Lt Col United States Air Force, Chief Flight Nurse
• Anthony J. Silva, MSN, RN, CNOR, AMB-BC, ROT
• Shannon Shanks, DNP, APRN, NRP
• Kim Cartwright, LPN, WCC, FADLN
• Sherry Hoback, MBA, BSN, RN
• Jose D. Castillo III, PhD, MSNA, CRNA, APRN, FAANA
• Farah Laurent, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CPXP
• Danni Viera, BSN, RN, CWCN
• Francine Bono-Neri, PhD, RN, APRN, PNP
• Cynthia Drew, DNP, APRN
• Mamie Williams, PhD, MPH, MSN, APRN
• Debbie T. Devine, PhD, APRN, FNP, SANE-A

Links

Florida Center for Nursing

Subscribe to FCN’s newsletter

Find us 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.