Trailblazer Rebecca Feliciano: Revolutionizing Nursing and Equine Therapy

Ocala, Florida, USA - In Ocala, Florida, a remarkable journey is unfolding in the realm of nursing and equine-assisted therapy, exemplified by Rebecca Feliciano, RN. With more than 40 years of experience under her belt, Feliciano currently serves as an Admissions RN with Empath Health and Hospice. Known for her innovative and compassionate approach to patient care, she started her healthcare career at the tender age of 16 as a nurse assistant in a nursing home. After obtaining her Associate Degree in Nursing from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wilmington University, Feliciano’s credentials only add to her impressive repertoire.

As an Army veteran who served during the Iraq War, her dedication to the field of nursing transcends personal ambition; it’s about advocacy and integrity, key values she prides herself on. Her achievements are set to be featured in the Summer 2025 issue of P.O.W.E.R. Magazine, where she was previously honored as Woman of the Month in both January and November 2024, as well as February 2025. Not only is she a vital figure in healthcare, but she also specializes in equine therapy, behavioral healthcare, and psychiatric nursing, which is increasingly becoming a valuable facet of holistic health approaches.

Innovations in Nursing Education

As we look to the future of nursing, Feliciano’s career reflects a broader shift in the nursing profession. A new initiative has emerged in response to the evolving healthcare landscape— the Integrated Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate in Nursing Program (INNOVATE). This program is designed to empower nurses to tackle healthcare challenges while focusing on underrepresented populations. According to the National Institutes of Health, INNOVATE features an immersive curriculum aimed at enhancing traditional nursing education, preparing future nurses to be leaders in healthcare innovation.

Structured around seven core principles that include interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning, this new approach to nursing education is a direct response to recommendations from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National Academy of Medicine. It emphasizes necessary competencies for tomorrow’s nursing workforce, such as understanding social determinants of health (SDOH) and committing to equity and inclusivity.

Addressing Critical Needs in Nursing

As we step into the next decade, nursing must adapt to address changing demographics and health needs. A 2022 NIH report highlights the urgency of integrating health equity and SDOH into nursing curricula. With more than 200,000 graduates from nursing programs in 2019 alone, a diverse and adaptable nursing workforce is more critical than ever. However, barriers for underrepresented groups in nursing education continue to impact access and success.

The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated gaps in our healthcare system, reinforcing the need for innovation in nursing education—especially in technology use and experiential learning. Holistic admissions processes and support systems for underrepresented students are pivotal to fostering diversity, enhancing retention, and improving graduation rates in nursing programs.

Rebecca Feliciano’s story not only showcases her contributions to nursing and equine-assisted therapy but also serves as a microcosm of the wider narratives shaping the healthcare landscape today. By forging ahead with integrity and a dedication to patient advocacy, she leads by example, inspiring the next generation of nurses to innovate and excel in a challenging but rewarding profession.