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Human-Centered Care Badge
Overview
The Human-Centered Care badge program equips nursing students with advanced competencies in empathic communication, emotional intelligence, and professional presence. Built in direct response to feedback from healthcare leaders, this program prepares students to deliver safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care while strengthening collaboration across teams.
Students selected for the MedNexus Nursing Scholarship will complete this badge as part of their award commitment, positioning themselves as future-ready nurse leaders.
Who Should Enroll?
Our badge program is ideal for:
- Enrolled in the UNF School of Nursing
- Good academic standing (minimum GPA threshold TBD, e.g. 3.0)
- Commitment to complete the Human-Centered Care badge by the end of the academic year
What You Will Learn.
The curriculum covers key competencies in simulation-based learning, including:
- Foundations of Human-Centered Care
- Empathic Communication in Action
- Emotional Intelligence for Clinical Excellence
- Innovation in Patient Experience
Application Process
Eligibility:
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- Enrolled in the UNF School of Nursing (BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, DNP)
- Good academic standing (minimum GPA 3.0)
- Commitment to complete the Human-Centered Care Innovation badge by the end of the academic year
- Expected graduation within one academic year
- Limited to top 50 applicants
Application Requirements:
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- Online application form
- Short essay (500 words): Reflect on a time that you have received poor customer service or patient care.
- One faculty/mentor recommendation
- Resume/CV
Timeline:
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- Application window: March 1 – May 31
- Review committee decisions: June
- Awards + badge enrollment: Fall Semester
Program Expectations:
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- Badge Duration: All badge requirements must be fulfilled during the Fall semester.
- Final Project: includes an in-person practical experience at the UNF MedNexus Innovation Exchange
Curriculum Modules
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Module 1: Foundations of Human-Centered Care
- Understanding the principles of empathy and compassion in clinical practice
- The science of emotional intelligence in healthcare
- Patient experience as a quality and safety measure
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Module 2: Empathic Communication in Action
- Verbal and nonverbal communication strategies
- Active listening and presence at the bedside
- De-escalation and conflict resolution with patients and families
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Module 3: Emotional Intelligence for Clinical Excellence
- Personality assessment to increase: self-awareness, self-regulation, and resilience
- Recognizing and responding to emotional cues in patients and colleagues
- Building trust and therapeutic relationships
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Module 4: Innovation in Patient Experience
- Case studies from healthcare partners on patient satisfaction and outcomes
- Applying technology with compassion (telehealth etiquette, digital bedside manner)
- Designing new models of care that prioritize the human experience
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Capstone Reflection:
Students will participate in a practical experience at the MedNexus Simulation Center, demonstrating their application of empathy and effective communication skills in clinical or simulated scenarios, including interactions with patients, family members, and other stakeholders.
Scholarship & Recognition
- Students who successfully complete the badge will receive a MedNexus Nursing Scholarship award (up to $5,000).
- Badge earners will receive a digital credential shareable on LinkedIn and resumes.
- Students will be highlighted in MedNexus communications as part of a new generation of nurse innovators focused on human-centered care.
Task Force Committee
- Donna Wagner, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital
- Adam Francis, Brooks Rehabilitation
- Dr. Tammy Daniel, Baptist Health
- Kristen Sutton, Advent Health
- Dr. Rebecca Monteau, Mayo Clinic
- Dr. Ashley Reynolds, Glytec
- Dr. Debra Harrison, Interim Director, UNF School of Nursing
- Venessa Hayes, Simulation Educator, UNF School of Nursing
For more information, contact Sara Brochu at sara.brochu@unf.edu.