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 admitted to the Human-Centered Care Badge cohort may be considered for the MedNexus Nursing Scholarship, pending completion of program requirements and financial aid eligibility.
The Human-Centered Care Badge is designed as a small, immersive professional development experience. To ensure meaningful mentorship, individualized feedback, and high-impact simulation training, participation is limited to 25 students per cycle.
Admission is competitive and based on holistic review of application materials, academic standing, and demonstrated readiness for advanced professional development. Students not selected are encouraged to reapply in a future cycle.
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)
- Expected graduation within one academic year
- Participation is limited to 25 students per application cycle to preserve a high-quality, immersive learning experience. Admission is competitive, and meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
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: Applications are accepted through August 1.
- Interview: Scheduled within one week of application submission
- Selection Decision: Applicants are notified within one week of their interview
- Awards & Badge Enrollment: Begins in the Fall 2026 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.
Meet Your Instructor: Venessa Hayes, RN
Scholarship & Recognition
- Students who are selected for the badge and successfully complete all program requirements may be eligible to receive a MedNexus Nursing Scholarship award of up to $5,000, subject to full-time enrollment status and remaining financial aid eligibility. Scholarships are subject to availability, funding, and the eligibility criteria specified. Applicants must be Florida residents to receive scholarship funds. Scholarships are non-transferable. If you are already awarded a MedNexus scholarship, you are not eligible for additional funding. MedNexus reserves the right to modify or discontinue scholarships at any time.
- 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
The Human-Centered Care Badge Task Force Committee brings together leaders from healthcare, industry, and academia who recognized the growing need to strengthen human-centered care competencies in today's nursing workforce. Through their expertise and ongoing guidance, committee members help shape the Human-Centered Care Badge to ensure it reflects the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care.
Kristen Sutton
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
AdventHealth
Adam Francis
Director of Nursing
Brooks Rehabilitation
Dr. Ashley Reynolds
Chief Customer Officer
Glytec
Dr. Rebecca Monteau
Director of Nursing Academic Affairs
Mayo Clinic
Brian Hernke
Director of Consumer Experience
Ascension
Donna Wagner
Vice President of Cardiovascular, Critical Care and Neurosciences
HCA Florida Memorial Hospital
Dr. Tammy Daniel
Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
Baptist Health
Dr. Debra Harrison
Interim Director
UNF School of Nursing
Venessa Hayes
Simulation Educator
UNF School of Nursing