The renovations to Unit 44 at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital are nearing completion, bringing a sense of anticipation for the reopening later this spring. The upgraded space will feature private patient rooms, providing specialized care for children undergoing ENT, neurosurgery, orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial, pediatric surgery for burns and trauma, plastics, transplant, and urological procedures.
Nicole Copenhaver, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC, Unit 44 pediatric nurse manager, expressed her enthusiasm about the project and the impact she feels the renovations will have for patients and medical teams.
“The improvements will allow us to work more efficiently, enhance the patient experience, and create a more comfortable environment for families,” Copenhaver said. “Seeing our team adapt and thrive in a newly renovated space will be a great milestone.”
Copenhaver believes the enhancements like private rooms with better layouts, upgraded equipment, and a more welcoming environment will help reduce stress and promote healing.
“I am extremely excited for our patients and families to have spaces of their own,” she said.
For Copenhaver, the heart of her work is her team. Her day is a mix of rounding on staff and patients, troubleshooting challenges, collaborating with other departments, and working on initiatives to improve workflow and patient outcomes. A big part of her role is fostering a positive, well-resourced work environment so she and her team can provide the best care possible. Seeing her team grow and succeed is one of the most rewarding aspects of her job.
“Whether by watching a new nurse gain confidence, supporting staff through challenges, or seeing the impact of quality improvement projects, knowing that I play a role in making a difference for both our patients and our team is incredibly fulfilling,” she said.
As the finishing touches are put in place, Copenhaver is eager to see the unit in action. She imagines her team settling into the new space, patients feeling more at home, and families breathing a little easier.
UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital would like to thank its donors who generously supported the renovations:
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Mrs. Kimberly Robbins Criser
Flad Architects
Dr. T. Kirk Garner and Mrs. Mary Garner
James M. Cox Foundation
Opus Coffee
After Unit 44 reopens, renovations will begin on Unit 45, continuing the transformation of pediatric medical care.
uf health shands children's hospital
Renovation to Units 44 and 45
This high-priority renovation is the next step in our ongoing commitment to improve our facilities for our community.