HCA Healthcare opened its new Center for Clinical Advancement in Gainesville on Thursday, Oct. 15, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking an investment in clinical education, workforce development and patient care across North Central Florida.
The center will serve as a regional training hub for nurses, physicians and other health care professionals at six HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals in the North Florida Division. The facility provides hands-on training, advanced simulation technology and collaborative learning opportunities to help clinical teams strengthen their skills, according to an HCA Healthcare release sent Friday.
“Investing in the growth and development of our clinical teams is an investment in the patients and communities we serve,” said Jordan Zirlott, vice president of clinical education for HCA Healthcare’s North Florida Division, in the release. “The HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement gives our nurses and other healthcare professionals the opportunity to learn, practice and collaborate in realistic clinical environments. By bringing advanced simulation technology and hands-on education together in one dedicated space, we’re helping our teams strengthen their skills, build confidence and prepare to deliver high-quality care when it matters most.”
Located in Gainesville, the facility features realistic clinical training environments designed to mirror patient care settings. It will support health care professionals at various stages of their careers, from onboarding and initial training to continuing education and advanced skill development.
Preparing clinical teams for real-world patient care
Clinical simulation lets health care professionals practice responding to realistic patient care scenarios in a safe, controlled environment without risking patient safety.
Through immersive training, participants can strengthen critical thinking, communication, clinical decision-making and teamwork. The center features high-fidelity simulation rooms, hands-on skills labs, connected classrooms, medication simulation areas and debriefing rooms.
These spaces allow clinical teams to practice complex scenarios, review their performance and apply lessons learned to patient care.
“Our nurses are at the heart of the care we provide every day, and they deserve opportunities to continue learning and growing throughout their careers,” said Michelle Farris, chief nursing officer for HCA Florida North Florida Hospital and HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital, in the release. “This center will give our nursing teams a place to practice real-life patient care scenarios, strengthen their clinical judgment and build confidence in a supportive learning environment. From nurses just beginning their careers to experienced nurses advancing their skills, this is a valuable resource that will help our teams work together and provide safe, compassionate care to our community.”
Expanding clinical education opportunities
The center reflects HCA Healthcare’s ongoing investment in its workforce and its commitment to providing clinical teams with the tools, technology and educational resources needed for professional development.
It is the 21st Center for Clinical Advancement in HCA Healthcare’s network. The centers support clinical education through simulation-based learning and technology-enabled instruction.
By giving nurses and other health care professionals opportunities to practice skills and collaborate in realistic clinical environments, the new Gainesville facility supports the organization’s focus on clinical excellence, patient safety and continuous improvement.
The Oct. 15 ribbon-cutting marked the center’s opening and expanded access to clinical education resources for health care professionals serving North Central Florida.