UWF Nursing Living Learning Community spreads love this Valentine’s Day

In an inspiring show of leadership and compassion, the University of West Florida’s Nursing Living Learning Community is spreading love and joy this Valentine’s Day season to senior citizens at a local rehabilitation center. The initiative, which involves UWF pre-nursing students handcrafting heartfelt valentine cards, aims to uplift the spirits of residents while also emphasizing the importance of social impact within the nursing profession.

The Nursing LLC, launched in the Fall of 2024 with the support of a generous grant from Florida Blue, offers a unique opportunity for nursing students to combine academic learning with community service. Students live and learn together, participating in activities that reinforce their studies while also giving back to the community. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, the students took that mission to heart by creating personalized cards to brighten the lives of area seniors.

“This project is an excellent example of how nursing students can make a real difference in the lives of others, even in simple ways,” said Dr. Rebecca Toothaker, assistant professor and Nursing LLC Director. “By participating in activities like this, our students are learning firsthand the importance of empathy, patient-centered care, and the power of human connection. It’s a great reminder that nursing is about much more than just knowledge; it’s about making meaningful connections with those we serve.”

The valentines were delivered to residents at Arcadia Health and Rehabilitation Center in Pensacola, a gesture that goes beyond just spreading holiday cheer. The effort highlights the Nursing LLC’s commitment to community engagement, an essential aspect of UWF’s nursing program. As part of their curriculum, students are encouraged to focus on the well-being of their community, and initiatives like these are an integral part of that education.

“I’ve dedicated myself to the field of nursing because it gives me the opportunity to serve, heal and cherish my community,” said first-year pre-nursing student Mekenzie Dixon. “Spreading love to the residents of our local rehabilitation center represents the core values of nursing and provides us, as pre-nursing students, with one of our first experiences in serving our community.”

The Nursing LLC’s Valentine’s Day card project is just one of many community outreach initiatives the students have participated in since the program’s inception. Thanks to Florida Blue’s support, the LLC is able to continue to make a significant impact both in and out of the classroom. The grant has helped fund academic opportunities, preparing students to become compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals.

The Nursing LLC’s Valentine’s Day efforts serve as a beautiful reminder of the power of small acts of kindness and how students at UWF are not only preparing for their careers but also making meaningful contributions to the community they will soon serve. For these nursing students, the experience is one that will stay with them long after graduation, as they continue to lead with compassion, care and a heart full of purpose.

“My grandparents are back home in Maryland, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Valentine’s Day joy to the residents of the rehabilitation center,” said first-year pre-nursing student Zachary Gruzs. “As a pre-nursing student, I will value this incredible experience as I progress through my journey as an aspiring healthcare professional.”

For more information about the UWF Nursing LLC, visit uwf.edu/nursingllc.