FOCUS ON FOUNDATION
As the newly elected president of the Florida Nurses Foundation, I am deeply honored to lead an organization rooted in compassion, commitment, and community. At the heart of our work lies a powerful force—nursing philanthropy. It’s more than charitable giving; it’s a movement of nurses and supporters investing in the future of health care, empowering nurses, and ultimately improving the well-being of our communities and our state.
Philanthropy in nursing isn’t a new concept. Nurses have always given—our time, skills, and hearts. However, structured, intentional philanthropic support is now more essential than ever. The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, and with it are the challenges and opportunities facing the nursing profession. Here are the three most important reasons why nursing philanthropy matters and why we must continue to invest in it.
1. Empowering the Next Generation of Nurses
The nursing workforce is facing a critical shortage. The need is urgent in Florida, where our aging population and healthcare needs are intensifying. According to a report commissioned by the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, the state is expected to have a shortfall of approximately 59,100 nurses by 2035.
Nursing philanthropy can play a role in closing this gap. Through scholarships, grants, and educational support, we can remove financial barriers that prevent aspiring nurses from completing their education. These funds are not just a financial lifeline—they are a message of belief in the dreams and potential of tomorrow’s nursing leaders.
At the Florida Nurses Foundation, we see firsthand how even modest scholarships can change lives. One scholarship can make the difference between a student graduating on time or dropping out due to financial strain. By investing in education, we are helping to ensure a robust nursing workforce and creating a ripple effect of compassionate, competent care across our state and beyond.
2. Advancing Nursing Research and Innovation
Nurses are innovators. Every day, they identify challenges in care delivery and develop creative solutions to improve patient outcomes. Yet, compared to other areas of healthcare, nursing research has historically been underfunded.
Philanthropy can fill that gap. Through targeted funding for nursing-led research, we support studies that improve patient care, enhance safety, and inform policy. Philanthropic dollars allow nurses to ask bold questions and pursue meaningful answers.
Moreover, investing in nursing research elevates the profession as a whole. It reinforces the critical role nurses play not just in bedside care, but in shaping healthcare systems and policy. At the Florida Nurses Foundation, we are committed to expanding our support of research grants to empower nurse scholars across Florida to lead the way in innovation and discovery.
3. Building a Culture of Giving and Leadership
Nursing has always been grounded in service. But philanthropy gives us a unique way to lead beyond the bedside by fostering a culture of generosity and investment in our profession.
When nurses give—whether through time, mentorship, or financial support—they are shaping the future of nursing. They become role models and advocates for sustainable progress. Encouraging nurses to see themselves as philanthropists helps build a stronger, more united profession that proactively addresses its needs.
Over the past few years, nurses across our state have faced incredible challenges, including natural disasters that left many in urgent need. Thanks to generous donations to the Foundation, we’ve provided crucial support to some of those affected. Now more than ever, we’re calling on nurses who can give — to help uplift and care for their fellow nurses in times of crisis.
As president of the Florida Nurses Foundation, one of my goals is to grow this culture of giving. We must inspire individuals and institutions to recognize the value of investing in nursing. Hospitals, healthcare companies, and community partners can support scholarships, continuing education, and leadership development. Together, we can build a resilient, empowered nursing workforce equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Dr. Jayne Willis joined the faculty of the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Nursing in August 2021, following her retirement from Orlando Health after a distinguished 40-year career. Before retiring, she served as Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive for the Orlando Health system. At UCF, she teaches primarily in the Executive Doctor of Nursing Practice program and is passionate about investing in the development of nursing leaders.
Dr. Willis holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Nursing Practice from the University of Central Florida. She is double board-certified as a Nurse Executive-Advanced by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and as a Certified Executive in Nursing Practice by the American Organization of Nurse Executives.
An active leader in the nursing community, Dr. Willis is the President of the Florida Nurses Foundation and serves on the board of the Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership. She is a Team Leader for the Nursing Action Coalition of Florida and on the Governance Committee of the Theta Epsilon chapter of Sigma. Recognizing her leadership, the Florida Nurses Association honored her with the FNA Presidents Award in 2023. In 2024, she received the Outstanding Alumni Leadership Award from the University of Central Florida.
Community service is a deep passion for Dr. Willis. She is a long-standing board member and former chair of the American Heart Association, which recognized her with the Legacy Chairman’s Circle Award in 2022. She also serves as Vice President of the Executive Board for the Orlando Ballet, as a Board member of the Central Florida Women’s League, and as a Community Board member for the Florida State University College of Medicine.
