In March of 2009, three nurses met in the underground tunnel connecting Shands Hospital at the University of Florida and Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center to discuss ways to bring concepts and practices of Caring Science to nurses in our local/regional area. We understood that many nurses experience hurried daily schedules and diverse life responsibilities and may be unable to attend or afford long conferences or engage in prolonged study. Our immediate goal was to bring the message of Caring Science to our "front door" in an effort to awaken, enliven, and enrich both personal and professional nursing practices. The Florida Sunshine Consortium was born.  

Our first "official" meeting was held in summer of 2009 and consisted of Caritas Coaches from the Watson Caring Science Institute and staff nurses from Baptist, Shands, and the VA. A working draft of our charter was created and plans were under way for our first local day conference, modeled after the bi-annual WCSI International Caritas Consortiums.  Our charter describes the following goals: (continue)

To illuminate the art and practice of caring

 The fast paced, task driven and stressful energy of many of our healthcare settings can create environments that disregard, devalue, or forget crucial contributions that caregivers can offer-namely, recognition and support of the patient and colleague as more than a physical being. An acknowledgment and renewed focus on the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the individual not only contribute to healing of the patient, but create an environment that nurtures the caregiver and becomes a self effulgent practice.

 

Watson Caring Science Institute "is dedicated to help the current health care system retain its most precious resource, competent, caring professional nurses, while preparing a new generation of health professionals in a broader model of Caring Science. The WSCI will help to ensure caring and healing for the public, reduce nurse turnover, and decrease costs to the system." As members of Florida Sunshine Consortium, we are privileged to join with Dr. Watson in that mission.

"In 2001, the Florida Legislature passed Statute 464.0195 establishing the Florida Center for Nursing and defined its purpose as:

To address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse workforce resources. The Legislature finds that the center will repay the states's investment by providing an ongoing strategy for the allocation of the state's resourced directed towards nursing."

Check out the blog of our own "resident" artist, the talented Patty Magee RN BA and learn more about the healing powers of Arts in Medicine

The latest evidence based research has shown that positive inner emotional states create increased harmony and coherence in the nervous, hormonal, and immune systems of the body as well as mental clarity, creativity, emotional balance, and personal effectiveness. These influences profoundly affect brain function and most of the body’s major organs, ultimately determining the state of health and quality of life. Check out the latest research on heart based living and how it is being utilized in the healthcare, educational, military, and personal arenas.  
 
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