Rayna Letourneau
Florida Center for Nursing
Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA
"You're not going to be successful at everything the first time. Try it again. If this is your goal, go back and try it again."
Career Roadmap
Rayna's work combines: Medicine, Science, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Registered Nurse
University of Rhode Island
Graduate Degree
Nursing Administration
University of Rhode Island
Doctorate
Nursing Education
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I went to nursing school straight out of high school—I was unprepared and had to repeat classes to learn how to truly be a student.
2.
My first job was in an emergency department, which taught me foundational skills and ignited my passion for teaching and mentoring new nurses.
3.
Driven by a desire to make a bigger impact, I returned to school and earned a master’s degree—I then began teaching in a hospital setting.
4.
I realized there were deeper systemic issues in nursing, so I decided to pursue a Ph.D. to research and solve these challenges.
5.
Transitioning into the role of nurse scientist, I embraced research to address the preparedness gap in nursing practice.
6.
Now, leading the Florida Center for Nursing, I shape statewide policies and strategic plans, impacting nurses and health care on a broader scale.
7.
I also host a podcast where I highlight diverse nursing roles to inspire future nurses to find their niche and explore untapped opportunities.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
When I first went to college, I was unprepared and failed a class for the first time. The failure shook me but I learned that you don't have to be successful at everything the first time you try it. If you fail, just get up and try again.