Florida State University (FSU) College of Nursing is thrilled to announce that three outstanding nursing students, Lindsey McCall, Bailey Browning, and Christopher Marrero, have been selected for the esteemed BayCare Fellows Program at Winter Haven Hospital. This collaborative initiative between BayCare Health System and FSU College of Nursing presents exclusive opportunities for senior nursing students aiming to pursue a career as a registered nurse at Winter Haven Hospital.

“We are incredibly proud of Lindsey, Bailey, and Christopher for earning this well-deserved recognition," said Marsha E. Hartline, DNP, RN, CNML, CNE, Associate Dean for Student Affairs at FSU College of Nursing. "Their selection as BayCare Fellows is a testament to their unwavering dedication to academic excellence and to the nursing profession. They have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, a passion for compassionate care, and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the community. We are confident that they will continue to excel in their nursing careers and become exemplary role models for future generations of Nole Nurses.”

Lindsey, Bailey, and Christopher emerged as top candidates from a pool of exceptional applicants. All three students exhibit a genuine passion for nursing and maintain solid academic records. They are also deeply committed to providing compassionate care and positively impacting the community.

“I am incredibly excited to be named a BayCare Fellow at Winter Haven Hospital and eagerly anticipate the opportunities this honor will bring,” said Lindsey McCall. “The values expected of BayCare Fellows – dignity, respect, and trust – align intrinsically with my core values as an individual and an employee. These same values align seamlessly with my desire to become a nurse, a dream that took root during my high school years.”

 Bailey Browning echoed Lindsey’s sentiment. “I am thrilled and excited to represent FSU’s College of Nursing as a BayCare Fellow. It holds immense significance for me to represent the institution I cherish as I embark on my nursing career,” she stated. “One of the primary factors that inspired me to pursue nursing was the profound level of compassion inherent in the field. I have always been empathetic and compassionate, and I am eager to leverage these traits to connect with patients and provide the best possible care as a BayCare Fellow.”

Christopher Marrero shared his excitement upon receiving acceptance to the fellowship program. Christopher said, “What excites me the most is the chance to contribute to Winter Haven Hospital, a place I see envisioned as a canvas for my impactful presence in the healthcare community." He further emphasizes, “I am very eager to engage in advanced learning, collaborate with experts in the field, and make a difference in the Winter Haven Hospital community. To me, it's not just a job; it's a chance to bring positive change, foster a culture of empathy, and contribute to the well-being of those in need.”

Winter Haven Hospital meticulously selected the recipients for this coveted program, seeking individuals committed to residing near Winter Haven or intending to work there post-graduation.

“We ensure that candidates for employment are adequately trained, and it creates a seamless pipeline for students to transition effortlessly from training to working upon graduation,” explained Kristen Smith, MSN, RN, VP of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer - Polk Region at BayCare.

As BayCare Fellows, Lindsey, Bailey, and Christopher received substantial benefits, including an $8,000 financial assistance package towards their FSU tuition and fees. They were granted valuable networking opportunities alongside influential nurse leaders, gaining profound insights into the healthcare industry and fostering crucial professional relationships. This recognition elevated their standing as emerging leaders in nursing.

"Being chosen for the BayCare Fellows Program is a tremendous honor for our students," remarked FSU College of Nursing Dean and Professor Jing Wang, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN. "Their selection reflects not only their own dedication and talent but also the success of our innovative academic-practice partnership with BayCare Health System and other esteemed healthcare partners across the state. This collaboration allows us to nurture skilled professionals who are prepared to excel in compassionate care, enhance lives in diverse communities, and embrace lifelong learning and responsibility within the nursing profession. I am deeply grateful for this partnership and thrilled to see our students embodying the core values of our mission and pursuing excellence in healthcare."

The BayCare Fellows Program extends beyond mere experience; it actively fosters continuous professional development. Upon completing the one-year RN Residency Program, fellows will have the opportunity to explore various departments within Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital, further expanding their knowledge and skills.

“The Fellows program provides nursing leadership with another avenue to help recruit highly skilled and motivated nurses to Winter Haven Hospital,” Smith acknowledged. “It's no secret that the country is facing a nursing shortage. By partnering with academic partners like FSU, we can provide opportunities for nursing students right in their hometown communities.”

The long-term benefits of the BayCare Fellows Program are also significant. The program plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Winter Haven Hospital has a robust team of nurses to provide high-quality care to patients.

 “We are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care,” stated Smith. “The BayCare Fellows Program is helping us to achieve that goal by preparing the next generation of nurses.”

The BayCare Fellows Program is a shining example of how collaboration between healthcare providers and educational institutions can positively impact students, patients, and the community.

 Looking forward, the FSU College of Nursing is actively seeking to expand its partnerships with all healthcare systems across the state. By developing similar scholarship and fellowship programs, the college aims to further support the state's healthcare workforce needs and provide its students with diverse opportunities to excel within the nursing profession.