The University of North Florida’s School of Nursing in the Brooks College of Health ranked in the Top 20 among the 50 Best Registered Nursing Programs in the state. Over 130 RN programs in the state were reviewed for this ranking.
UNF, rated No. 18, outranked local private college, Jacksonville University, 33, and bested three Florida state universities, including Florida State University, 20; University of West Florida, 21; and University of South Florida, 25.
“At the UNF School of Nursing, we strive to excel in the education and preparation of our nursing students in order to assure the consistent passing of the graduate licensure exam and excellence in the care they provide to patients,” said Dr. Li Loriz, School of Nursing director.
The rankings are based on current and historical NCLEX-RN “pass rates,” meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 131 RN programs in the state. UNF nursing graduates have a pass rate of 94.04, which is higher than the national pass rate of 85.26. It’ also higher than nursing graduate pass rates at University of Florida, Jacksonville University and Florida State College at Jacksonville.
Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing or direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing degree. More than 700 students enroll in the UNF School of Nursing each academic year, and the School graduates around 140 prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing students each year.
The School of Nursing was selected as the first flagship program at the University and offers a wide variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The program has a community-based, population-focused curriculum corresponding to changes in healthcare delivery trends.
This latest recognition comes on the heels of UNF receiving several other national designations, including Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s 2017, “Best Regional University” and “Best Online Bachelor’s Program” by U.S. News & World Report, “Best in the Southeast” by Princeton Review, “Best Bang for the Buck Southeast Colleges 2016” by Washington Monthly, 2017 “Best College” by College Factual and the national 2016 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight into Diversity magazine, to name a few.
UNF, a nationally ranked university located on an environmentally beautiful campus, offers students who are dedicated to enriching the lives of others the opportunity to build their own futures through a well-rounded education.
Featured
Kick-Off Your Super Bowl Party with “Fresh From Florida” Recipes
To kick-off a fun and healthy Super Bowl Sunday, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam is sharing several quick and easy to make recipes before game time. These recipes feature delicious seafood and fresh fruits and vegetables produced right here in Florida. Look for products with the “Fresh From Florida” label at local grocery stores.
“If you’re looking for a few quick and simple recipes for Sunday’s big game, these ‘Fresh From Florida’ recipes are real winners, and they feature produce grown by Florida’s farmers and seafood caught in Florida’s waters,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam.
Florida Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salsa
Sweet Corn and Black Bean Enchiladas
Taco-Stuffed Florida Bell Peppers
To find out what Florida crops are in season, browse recipes and learn more about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Research connects overeating during national sporting events to medical problems
New study says higher percentage of patients seek treatment
People who overeat during national holidays and national sporting events – like this weekend’s Super Bowl – are 10 times more likely to need emergency medical attention for food obstruction than any at other time of the year, according to a new study led by a University of Florida researcher.
Dr. Asim Shuja, a gastroenterologist at UF Health Jacksonville, led the research team. The study used data collected over an 11-year period from the emergency room at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston.
“Though the sample size was small, it’s clear that a pattern emerged showing a higher percentage of people seeking treatment during or just after the holiday or event,” Shuja said, “and a much greater percentage during those times needed help because food was impacted in their esophagus. It’s a very serious problem that people need to be aware of.”
Most of the problems affected men, and most of the cases came during or just after the Thanksgiving holiday. But Shuja and the other researchers say other holidays, such as New Year’s Day or events such as the Super Bowl, also were associated with a higher incidence of cases.
Serving size and how quickly people ate were listed as possible risk factors, as was alcohol consumption.
Over the study period, from 2001 to 2012, 38 people underwent an emergency procedure on the esophagus during or just after the holiday or sporting event time period (within three days of the event). Nearly 37 percent of those were due to a food impaction. Comparatively, of the 81 who had the same procedure two weeks before and two weeks after the event during the “control period,” just under 4 percent were due to food impaction. During holidays and national sporting events, the most common impacted food was turkey (50 percent), followed by chicken (29 percent) and beef (21 percent).
“We think the main message here is for people to be aware and not to, for lack of a better term, overindulge,” Shuja said. “Not only the amount of food you’re eating during the holiday or event, but the size of the portion you’re eating can have a tremendous impact.”
The paper was published in the December issue of the journal Gastroenterology Report.
Other institutions involved in the study were Tufts Medical Center in Boston and Central Texas VA Healthcare System in Temple, Texas.
FDOT District Seven Non-Interstate Construction Lane Closures February 5-11, 2017
Hillsborough County
US 41 between Symmes Road and Lewis Avenue
Lighting maintenance – lane closures Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Guy N. Verger Boulevard at Maritime Boulevard
Intelligent Transportation Systems maintenance – lane closures Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
40th Street (US 41) between 15th Avenue East and Conover Street
Repaving and restriping – lane closures Sunday – Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Nightly lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 am.
Henderson Boulevard (SR 685) between Dale Mabry Highway and Kennedy Boulevard
Repaving – intermittent lane closures Monday – Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Nightly lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am.
Florida Avenue (US 41/SR 685) between Sligh Avenue and River Shore Drive
Repaving – lane closures Monday – Friday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Nightly lane closures Sunday – Friday from 7:00 pm to 7:30 am.
Pinellas County
Gulf to Bay Boulevard (SR 60) between Highlands Avenue and US 19
Repaving – lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Nightly lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 9:00 pm to 5:30 am.
Gandy Boulevard between I-275 and 4th Street North
Widening – intermittent nightly lane closures Monday – Saturday from 10:30 pm to 6:00 am.
Roosevelt Boulevard (SR 686) between 28th Street North / Lake Carillon Drive and Gandy Boulevard
Repaving – lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Curlew Road (SR 586) at Gull Aire Boulevard
Traffic signal maintenance – lane closures Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Nightly lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 6:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Ulmerton Road (SR 688) between 49th Street North and 38th Street North
Widening – nightly lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Citrus County
US 19 (Suncoast Boulevard) between Green Acres Street and Jump Court
Widening – intermittent lane closures Sunday – Thursday from 8:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Halls River Road Bridge (CR 490A) between Hadley Court and Taylor Terrace
Bridge Replacement – lane closures Sunday – Saturday 24 hours per day.
FAMU choral students to perform at prestigious Carnegie Hall
Concert Choir Students Selected for 2017
Young Adult Honors Performance Series
From L-R: FAMU choral students Maiya Stevenson, Akeisha Mandela, and Kyrik Gaines will perform before thousands on the world-renowned Ronald O. Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall.
Three Florida A&M University (FAMU) Concert Choir students have been selected to showcase their talents as members of the honors choir during the 2017 Young Adult Honors Performance Series at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Their February 5 performance will mark a significant milestone as they were chosen from a pool of students from across 45 states in the U.S. and two provinces in Canada. Maiya Stevenson, Akeisha Mandela, and Kyrik Gaines will perform before thousands on the world-renowned Ronald O. Perelman Stage.
Their accomplishment reflects the world-class training they’ve received under FAMU’s acclaimed choral program, which has taken its students to global stages including Spain and Africa. Students in the award-winning program have also performed with Grammy winners such as Phil Driscoll, Richard Smallwood, and the amazing Three Mo’ Tenors.
“I am excited about the opportunity to perform at this historic concert venue,” said Gaines, who is a voice student of FAMU professor Marcus Rhodes. “Performing at Carnegie Hall will help to highlight the diverse, talented musical organizations and groups that our university has to offer.”
The Young Adult Honors Series at Carnegie Hall assembles some of the most talented college-aged and young adult vocalists in the world to experience the thrill of working with master conductors and performing in one of the most prominent concert halls.
From L-R: FAMU music professors Mark Butler, Alethea Kilgore, and Marcus Rhodes work together to prepare vocal students for the performance of a lifetime at Carnegie Hall.
Rhodes, along with FAMU Concert Choir Director Mark Butler, DMA, nominated the three students for the opportunity to perform in the honors choir.
“I was delighted to nominate them,” said Butler. “Getting these talented students to Carnegie Hall will allow our university and choral division to be recognized as having one of the finest choral and vocal programs in the nation.”
Rhodes agrees that this opportunity will shine a positive light on FAMU’s ability to train top-notch singers.
“It is exciting that this exposure can increase interest in the music program while motivating our students to continue to strive to be their best,” Rhodes said.
Mandela, a senior music performance student, sees this moment as an inspirational learning opportunity that will be beneficial for her and her classmates.
“This opportunity means there are more doors opening. It also means that as long as I apply myself, there are no goals too big for me,” Mandela said. “I’m very excited to partake in such an experience and to bring back as much knowledge as I can for my classmates and friends that are also pursuing classical music.”
Mandela expressed gratitude for the guidance of Dr. Butler and the meticulous training she received through her vocal coach, FAMU professor Alethea Kilgore, DM.
“It gives me great joy to see Akeisha excel in the manner that she has,” Kilgore said, noting that Mandela will also be featured in several more competitions this year. “We will be working extensively to polish her vocal instrument. This opportunity will inspire her to go even further with her performance ability.”
Stevenson, a fourth-year music performance student, who trains with Butler, also has a lot to prepare for in the near future. She recently won an audition to perform a leading role in Mozart’s Opera “Don Giovanni” this summer in Bulgaria, located in southeastern Europe.
Butler said the honors performance has special meaning to the choral department. It marks the fifth invitation members of the FAMU Concert Choir have received to perform at Carnegie Hall, but it’s the first time they were able to attend due to budgetary constraints.
The students and their professors are focused on ensuring that they leave a lasting impression.
“Preparation for the big day is the primary focus,” Butler said. “All three students are working diligently to perfect their material before they make their mark in Midtown Manhattan on Sunday.”
Florida Senator Dana Young files craft breweries legislation
Senate Bill 554 Aims to Help Craft Breweries Grow & Enter
the Marketplace by Allowing Self-distribution
Florida Senator Dana Young (R-Tampa) today announced that she has filed Senate Bill 554, relating to “Craft Breweries.” This bill provides the smallest of craft brewers with the opportunity to grow their business by permitting self-distribution up until a 7,000 keg production limit is met. Once this limit is met, the craft brewer will need to contract with a distributor, which is the current practice today.
“I am proud to sponsor SB 554 and continue to be an advocate for our state’s craft brewers,” said Senator Young. “We want to see the craft beer industry continue their trend of record growth and this bill will help new brewers get their beer to market faster.” She continued, “I look forward to working with the bill’s co-sponsor, Senator Jack Latvala, my colleagues in the Senate, and members of the Florida House to provide a regulatory structure that encourages craft brewers to grow.”
FDACS recovers more than $312,000 for Floridians in January
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered more than $300,000 for Florida consumers during the month of January. In 2016, the department recovered nearly $3 million for Florida consumers from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During the month of January, the department:
- Recovered $312,205 on behalf of Florida consumers;
- Received 3,653 complaints;
- Initiated 231 investigations;
- Arrested 10 individuals;
- Provided assistance to 22,441 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
- Added 28,138 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.
As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
RoadWatch Advisory for US 41 in Collier County
COLLIER COUNTY
US 41 at Golden Gate Parkway: Maintenance contract project: Motorists should expect the outside southbound lane closed on Thursday, February 2 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. while crews repair asphalt, weather permitting. Motorists should use caution as crews work in the roadway.
Study shows exercise, sleep are keys to keeping employees from bringing home work frustrations
A brisk walk or a long swim may be the key to preventing a bad day at the office from spilling over into the home.
A recent university study that tracked participants’ sleep patterns and daytime physical movements found employees who recorded an average of more than 10,900 steps each day were less likely to perpetuate abuse at home than those recording fewer than 7,000.
“Research shows employees who are mistreated at work are likely to engage in similar behaviors at home,” said University of Central Florida’s College of Business management professor Shannon Taylor, who teamed up with researchers from Illinois and Wisconsin for the study. “If they’ve been belittled or insulted by a supervisor, they tend to vent their frustration on members of their household. Our study shows that happens because they’re too tired to regulate their behavior.”
The study concludes sleep and exercise are intervention points that can be leveraged to prevent the spread of harmful behavior. Study participants included 118 MBA students with full-time jobs who took a survey and then wore activity monitors for a week. A follow-up survey was then sent to the participants’ cohabitants.
Taylor said the study found that burning an additional 587 calories can reduce the harmful effects of mistreatment and help prevent it from carrying into the home. For the average American man, these gains can be achieved with an hour of swimming or a brisk 90-minute walk.
“The findings are particularly compelling given recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Heart Association to walk between 8,000 and 10,000 steps per day,” Taylor said. “I also think the study gives us a new perspective on the importance of getting an adequate amount of sleep and exercise. It’s not just good for you, it’s good for your spouse, too.”
Taylor is an associate professor and Ph.D. program coordinator in the management department at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. His research examines rude, abusive, and unethical behaviors of employees and leaders. His work has appeared in journals in business and applied psychology and has been featured by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fox News and NPR. He also serves as research director at Knowtro Inc.
RoadWatch Advisory for US 41 in Lee County
LEE COUNTY
US 41 from Bonita Crossings Boulevard to Beaumont Road: Maintenance contract project: Motorists should expect the outside northbound lane closed throughout the day and evening while crews perform drainage repairs. Motorists should use caution as crews work near the roadway.
