V-CARE Student Recognized for Honor-A-Bull Achievements

The USF Health College of Nursing’s first U.S. Coast Guard V-CARE nursing student has won a 2020 Honor-A-Bull award.

The achievement award recognizes student veterans at the University of South Florida each year as part of a week of Veterans Day celebrations organized by the Office of Veteran Success.

Nursing student Kimberly Hoefer received the award in the health sciences category during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 10. Hoefer is set to graduate magna cum laude in December.

Hoefer was nominated by College of Nursing Associate Professor Alicia Gill Rossiter, DNP, FNP, PPCNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, who is the former director of the college’s V-CARE pathway. The V-CARE pathway allows veterans to transition into a nursing career by offering credit for military training and education.

In a letter of nomination, Dr. Rossiter wrote that Hoefer is the first veteran from the U. S. Coast Guard to enroll in the V-CARE pathway and has been an exceptional representative.

Hoefer “has consistently demonstrated superb skills in both the didactic and clinical setting and is a valued member of her clinical team and our community partners,” Dr. Rossiter wrote. She “has demonstrated impeccable leadership skills that set her apart from her peers.”

Hoefer was selected by the College of Nursing faculty to serve as the Baccalaureate Curriculum Committee VBSN representative. She is also a member of the Bull Nurse Admissions Team where she works with prospective V-CARE students to help them navigate the admissions process.

Award recipients are recognized for their exceptional academic and community accomplishments during their time at USF.

Story by Elizabeth L. Brown, USF College of Nursing