Dr. Jorge A. Valdés serves as Dean and Professor of Nurse Anesthesiology at the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University (FIU). As a distinguished leader and author, with a prolific career as a clinical nurse anesthetist spanning over twenty years, he has been instrumental in fostering academic excellence, driving research innovation, and strengthening community and industry partnerships. As Dean, Dr. Valdés has led transformative changes, spearheading the growth and reorganization of the Undergraduate Nursing department through strategic PIPELINE funding. His efforts in securing LINE funding have provided critical scholarship opportunities, directly supporting student success and the states nursing workforce. Under his leadership, the college has launched new academic programs, expanded experiential learning opportunities, and cultivated a strong sense of community, all contributing to the university’s enhanced reputation as a leader in healthcare education. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Valdés served as Chair of the Department of Nurse Anesthesiology, where he made significant contributions to the field through the expansion of high-quality nurse education, scholarship, and by solidifying a dedicated workforce of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Under his tenure, Dr. Valdés was instrumental in enhancing a strong foundation of FIU CRNA’s across the nation by increasing the first time pass rate of the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) exam and leading the reaccreditation of the nurse anesthesiology program by the Council of Accreditation (COA). As a researcher, he has authored various book chapters and numerous publications. Most recently, from 2022-2023, he was Principal Investigator of the Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT) Grant funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) aimed at increasing scholarship and evidence-based training of CRNA’s to practice safe anesthesia and pain management services in underserved communities. His work has translated into transformational leadership in health education and legislative action. He is an esteemed Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Additionally, he is a distinguished member of the Miami-Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame and recipient of the FIU President's Council Real Triumphs Faculty Award, in recognition of his numerous contributions to the South Florida community. Dr. Valdés holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Miami and a Masters in Nurse Anesthesia from the Mayo School of Health Sciences Nurse Anesthesia Program. He has also served as president of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and held leadership roles on various professional boards at the state and national level. Dr. Valdés remains dedicated to community service, mentoring, and advancing healthcare policy, continually working to shape the next generation of healthcare leaders and ensure the continued growth and success of the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
research interests
Nurse Anesthesiology Nurse Anesthesiology Practice Nurse Anesthesiology Education
