Jacksonville University and Brooks Rehabilitation Launch Workforce Partnership for Nursing Students

Jacksonville University and Brooks Rehabilitation have established a new scholarship designed to support high-performing nursing students and strengthen the region’s clinical workforce. The Brooks Rehabilitation Nursing Excellence Scholarship provides financial support for students enrolled in Jacksonville University’s accelerated and traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs and creates a direct pathway to employment within the Brooks system of care.

Brooks Rehabilitation operates one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive systems of physical rehabilitation services. The organization treats more than 74,000 patients each year across its inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health services, aging services and community programs. Jacksonville University’s Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences works closely with Brooks to develop skilled clinicians who can meet the rising demand for high-quality patient care.

“This scholarship offers a long-term solution to address the ongoing challenges of nurse supply and demand, as Florida faces projections of an insufficient RN workforce over the next decade,” said Joanne Hoertz, RN, MSN, CRRN, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Brooks Rehabilitation. “By offering financial support and a clear pathway into the nursing profession, particularly within the specialized field of rehabilitation nursing, we can ensure that individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities receive exceptional, outcome-driven care from RNs. Partnering with Jacksonville University as an academic partner enhances the value of nursing and aligns with the long-term strategic goals of both our organization and the profession.”

The scholarship awards students between $10,000 and $25,000 based on program track and work-agreement length. Funds are applied directly to tuition and are paired with an employment opportunity at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital – University Campus or the Halifax Health | Brooks Rehabilitation Center for Inpatient Rehabilitation after graduation. The program includes mentorship, clinical engagement and a structured pathway to transition to the role of the RN in full-time practice.

Kathryn Romanek, a scholarship recipient who now works as a nurse at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital – University Campus, described how the program shaped her career. “JU always felt like family. The professors in the accelerated BSN program really care and are invested in your success. This program was rigorous, but I felt 100% confident and prepared to step onto the floor at Brooks as a nurse when I graduated,” said Romanek. “At Brooks, I have already been able to receive my certified rehabilitation registered nurse (CRRN) credential, become a charge relief nurse and part of the rapid response team. I plan to keep expanding my nursing knowledge.”

“By connecting rigorous academic preparation with meaningful clinical opportunities, we’re ensuring our graduates are ready to make an immediate impact in patient care while building sustainable careers in a field that desperately needs their expertise and dedication,” said Dr. Mark Tillman, dean of the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences at Jacksonville University. “This scholarship reflects our shared commitment with Brooks Rehabilitation to help remove financial barriers and create clear pathways for talented students to succeed.”

The Brooks Rehabilitation Nursing Excellence Scholarship reflects a shared commitment to educating capable nurses who can excel in acute and post-acute environments across Northeast Florida. The partnership strengthens the commitment to educating capable nurses who can excel in acute and post-acute environments throughout the Brooks system.

“The Brooks Rehabilitation Nursing Excellence Scholarship addresses a critical need in our region by preparing entry-level nurses who can step into leadership roles from day one,” said Dr. Lindsay Wolf, associate dean of nursing and chief academic nurse at Jacksonville University’s Keigwin School of Nursing. “This partnership ensures our graduates gain the clinical competencies they need to excel and a direct connection to one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation systems where they can apply their skills in environments that demand both compassion and innovation.”

For more information about nursing programs at Jacksonville University, visit ju.edu/nursing. To apply for a Brooks Rehabilitation Nursing Excellence Scholarship, please visit https://www.ju.edu/nursing/scholarships.php.