More than 300 assistant nurse managers (ANMs) from Flagler, Lake, and Volusia counties have completed a yearlong professional development program aimed at strengthening bedside nursing leadership. The initiative was organized by AdventHealth’s East Florida Division, which operates seven hospitals in the region.
The program included classroom learning, group discussions, and self-reflection activities focused on AdventHealth’s approach to whole-person care. This philosophy emphasizes addressing not only physical health but also emotional and spiritual needs.
At the graduation ceremony, participants received white coats as a symbol of their achievement and commitment to lead with purpose and compassion. Michele Goeb-Burkett, senior vice president and chief nursing officer for the East Florida Division, said: “This was our first group of ANMs to complete the program, and it is a remarkable achievement. We created this training specifically for the bedside nurse leader — those who connect with patients, support team members, and bring AdventHealth’s mission to life.”
Hospitals across Florida and the United States are facing challenges such as nursing shortages and high turnover rates. In response, AdventHealth aims to ensure that its nurses are prepared to lead clinical teams effectively where they are most needed.
“When ANMs are confident and supported, that positivity flows to every nurse on the floor and every patient in the unit,” Goeb-Burkett added. “It means steadier teams, stronger care and a better experience for our community.”
Maria Salgado, an ANM at AdventHealth Daytona Beach who began her career as a graduate nurse, described how the program helped her transition into leadership: “Moving into leadership was a whole new world. This program gave us the skills to lead with empathy, while also understanding how budgeting, staffing, and efficiency affect our teams and patients.”
Desiree Day from AdventHealth Palm Coast shared her experience of discovering her leadership potential through mentorship: “I was shy. I just wanted to care for patients,” she said. “But my mentors believed in me and walked with me through every tough conversation. That kind of encouragement makes all the difference.” She noted that even after years in nursing she gained new insights about communication and managing different personalities.
Day now serves as an ANM in medical telemetry at AdventHealth Palm Coast. She believes that this development program provided tools that complemented her experience.
Participants also reported building strong professional networks during their training. Salgado said: “I made real friends here. We’ve stayed in touch and support each other. It’s like a built-in network.” Day agreed: “Now, when something comes up, I have peers I can reach out to. We’ve built connections that make us stronger leaders.”
The ceremony concluded with each ANM receiving a white coat representing both honor and responsibility. Goeb-Burkett commented: “They earned that moment… Our ANMs form the backbone of care… For our community, that’s the true graduation gift: nurse leaders prepared to not only treat illness but also guide teams with empathy and strength.”
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida; it was founded in 1908. The hospital has pediatric services as well as being a training hospital under current president Terry Shaw.
