Chief Nursing Officer Patrice Jones Leaves Behind a Legacy at UF Health
Celebrating the retirement of long-time CNO at UF Health Jacksonville.
Patrice Jones, DNP, RN, NE-BC, vice president and chief nursing officer at UF Health Jacksonville, is retiring at the end of April after more than a decade at UF Health Jacksonville and more than 40 years in the nursing profession. Patrice has been an instrumental leader for the Nursing department and leaves behind an incredible legacy.
Under her guidance, UF Health Jacksonville has maintained its status as a Magnet-recognized hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, an honor that signifies the organization’s commitment to exceptional nursing practice and offers patients the highest quality care possible. Patrice led the organization through Magnet recertification twice — once in 2016 and most recently in 2021.
Patrice with Ileana Martinez, RN, and Leny Quindoza, RN, at the Magnet conference in 2013.
Patrice also made great strides in improving staff and patient interactions through the use of initiatives such as relationship-based care. She began an effort to develop the role of clinical quality nurse leaders dedicated to improving patient care by working with staff at the bedside.
Patrice also encouraged our nursing staff to achieve higher education. One of her proudest moments as CNO was collaborating with the UF College of Nursing to launch undergraduate nursing programs at UF Health Jacksonville. Together they were able to offer an online RN to BSN program for staff and the UF Accelerated BSN Nursing Program (Academic Partnership Unit Program), which was designed for second-degree students who wanted to obtain a nursing degree.
Patrice with Daisy Award winner Kyra Knighton, RN, (right) and her nurse manager Cindy Collins, RN, (left).
Under her leadership, the number of bedside nurses to earn a bachelor’s of science in nursing increased from 48% to 77% today — a remarkable achievement. Patrice also led by example, earning her doctorate in nursing practice during her time at UF Health Jacksonville.
Patrice and her daughter, Emily, at Patrice's graduation where she earned her doctorate of nursing practice.
These are just a few examples of the impact Patrice has had on the nursing teams as a dynamic and caring leader. Though she will be greatly missed, Patrice is looking forward to spending time with her family and five grandchildren here in Northeast Florida and also on her farm in Alabama, where she can cheer on her beloved University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Patrice loves to read and already has several books lined up to enjoy in retirement. She also plans to stay active and travel, with several family trips to the beach already planned for this summer.
Patrice with her grandchildren.
