UNF: Deerwood Site

The UNF MedNexus Simulation Center at the FSCJ Deerwood campus in Jacksonville, Florida provides interdisciplinary hands-on skills training to UNF Brooks College of Health students at the University of North Florida. Additionally, the center houses the HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement which provides a pathway for HCA Healthcare employees to enroll in a UNF certificate program offered by the University’s Division of Continuing Education to utilize the simulation center.

Simulation Center

The state-of-the-art center has eight individual simulation rooms, each with its own adjoining full-size control room equipped with state-of-the-art technology, to allow for real and authentic healthcare training experiences. The simulation rooms consist of two home care apartment set-up rooms with full kitchen and bathroom, one OR/ER flex room, a skills lab and regular rooms to be used for trauma, birthing and pediatrics. Manikins are used in each room that are fully functioning and can replicate multiple different simulated experiences. The center also has a complete learning system space for recording and video monitoring, as well as counseling and debriefing rooms.

Take a Virtual Tour

Group of students working in the Sim Lab

An instructor teaching three students in the sim lab

HCA Healthcare Center for Clinical Advancement

In partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare, a leading operator of healthcare facilities in Florida, the facility includes a fully interdisciplinary simulation center that delivers hands-on training to UNF Brooks College of Health nursing students and provides a pathway for HCA Healthcare employees to enroll in a UNF certificate program offered by the University’s Division of Continuing Education to utilize the simulation center.

Marissa Goodson MS, RN, CPHQ, HACP

Marissa has recently transitioned to being HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic Division Manager of Simulation and Technology. She has 20+ years in the nursing profession. She has worked clinically in the ED and ICU in the military and civilian sectors. She also has over 6 years of leadership in quality assurance. Marissa is driven by meaningful data that can be used to improve patient outcomes. She loves to take the multidisciplinary approach to find creative ways to utilize data to achieve strategic goals. As a lifelong learner, Marissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Point Loma Nazarene University and her Master’s degree from University of Maryland,
Baltimore. Marissa enjoys spending time with her family and attending church activities.She enjoys going on family vacations and hopes to travel to Europe.

Rellie Lorenzo MBA, CHSE, EMT

Rellie has been HCA Healthcare's South Atlantic Division Simulation Specialist since February 2023. He served as a US Army medic in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. He also held the role as an AIT Drill Sergeant at Fort Sam Houston and Course Coordinator at the Medical Simulation Training Center in South Korea. Rellie is passionate about creating simulations and completing projects that enhance the skill sets of nurses, medics, and providers. His certification as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator demonstrates his dedication to effectively facilitating clinical simulations. As a lifelong learner, Rellie earned his MBA from University of Arkansas Grantham. Rellie enjoys spending time with family, lifting weights, playing basketball, and practicing martial arts.

UNF Team

Abom Taylor, B.I.S. | Simulation Specialist

Abe is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies for Business Administration. Abe is a 20-year United States Navy Veteran, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He spent more than 10 years training sailors utilizing simulation to effectively use their combat systems to defend the US in domestic and foreign waters. He is an avid traveler and above average sports fan for the Saints and LSU Tigers.

Deerwood Site