Milestone makers
Meet this year’s “Shining Star” and other long-term employees
At this year’s Milestones Service Awards banquet, our leadership team and fellow attendees acknowledged this year’s “shining star” — Rhea Broyles, M.S.N., R.N., the evening’s only 45-year Milestone Award recipient.
In 1971, Broyles began her journey with our organization at what was then Alachua General Hospital, or AGH. During her time there, Broyles earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in nursing. She held a position as a graduate nurse and then was promoted to nurse manager.
As the hospital evolved as part of the UF Health Shands system, Broyles built a challenging and rewarding career.
“I only planned to stay a few years after nursing school, but there were all types of opportunities there,” Broyles said.
Following the community hospital’s closure, Broyles took on a new role at the UF Health Sebastian Ferrero Office of Clinical Quality and Patient Safety. In 2010, she became a senior quality improvement specialist, supporting our patient care providers by analyzing current hospital processes and finding new ways to improve them. The updated procedures on which Broyles worked have become hardwired in the organization and have helped improve quality patient care at UF Health. She attributes much of her success in this role to her nursing experience.
“As nurses, we understand how patient care should be delivered,” Broyles said. “We’re able to look at things very objectively.”
After 45 years of service here, Broyles retired in February. During her time at UF Health, she said she witnessed and experienced many changes across the organization and believes that the patient focus remains our priority.
“Over the years, I’ve seen so much growth and change as to how we provide patient care,” she said. “Although technology has improved the care we provide, our foundation is still the patient. No matter how technical we get and depend on new inventions, we continue to look at the patient as a person.”
Meet other long-term employees honored at the banquet

What has made you stay with UF Health for so long?
“I love working here and learning every day at my job. It is an amazing organization with endless opportunities to learn and grow both professionally and personally. It is extremely rewarding to know that I contribute behind the scenes to the mission of UF Health.”

What makes UF Health unique?
“I learn something every day. I meet people from all over the planet from a wide array of settings. Not only is our hospital the place where people from everywhere imaginable come for their health care needs, it is where I want my loved ones to come for their care. I trust these people. They provide unbelievable care and love what they do.”

Why do you enjoy working at UF Health?
“I am fortunate to work with a great group of people. My staff have faith in the decisions I make and that gives me a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment in my role. I feel very supported and appreciated for the work I do and that makes it easy to come to work every day.”