Jany Guedes

Jany Guedes, a December 2023 DNP graduate of the College of Nursing, is working to complete a CCNE-accredited Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Residency Program at the Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. She accepted this residency so that she can specialize in veteran-focused care.

“I pursued nursing because it’s such a rewarding career,” shared Jany. “I can positively impact patients’ and their families’ lives. I apply the Jean Watson theory of caring in my nursing practice, and this caring science helps me embrace the integrated mind, body and spirit with positive energy.”

During the one-year, post-graduate paid VA training program, Jany rotates in outpatient general mental health and substance use disorders clinics. She also receives preceptorship from Nurse Practitioners and psychiatrists in multiple settings. Additionally, as part of her duties, Jany manages a panel of patients in a year-long continuity clinic while rotating through specialty mental health care settings, experiencing both pharmacotherapeutic treatment and evidence-based psychotherapy.

She expressed her appreciation of the outstanding coursework and faculty within the College of Nursing. Her FAU experience was “invaluable,” and the support she received from faculty made a huge impact on her educational journey – especially her role model – Dr. Aurélien Buie, assistant dean of executive and continuing education and academic-practice partnerships.

“Dr. Buie always had a smile and cared about her students’ education,” said Jany. “She gave wonderful feedback and guidance. I hope to one day be a great professor and provide my students with an excellent educational experience like Dr. Buie did for me.”

Already a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, following the completion of her residency in August 2024, Jany aspires to teach undergraduate and graduate level nursing courses at a university. In addition, she plans to participate in community health promotion, advocate for changes to health policies, facilitate the redesign of nursing education and advance efforts to achieve health equity.