Dr. Jorge A. Valdés serves as Acting Dean of the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University (FIU). He is a distinguished leader and author with a prolific career as a clinical nurse anesthetist spanning over twenty years. As an educator, he has advocated for diversity and inclusion in higher education and nursing, with over thirteen years of experience serving in numerous leadership roles at various academic institutions across South Florida.
Prior to his appointment, Dr. Valdés served as Chair of the Department of Nurse Anesthesiology at FIU, where he made significant contributions to the field of nurse anesthesiology through the expansion of high-quality nurse education, scholarship, and solidifying a dedicated workforce of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Under his tenure as Chair, Dr. Valdés was instrumental in enhancing a strong foundation of FIU CRNA’s across the nation by securing the highest pass rate in the history of the program on the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) exam and leading the re-accreditation of the nurse anesthesiology program by the Council of Accreditation (COA).
As a researcher, he has authored various book chapters on diversity, nurse anesthesiology practice and has numerous publications and funded grants. He has been the Principal Investigator of the Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT) Grants funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), 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 equity, education, and legislative action, where he has tirelessly advocated for nurse anesthetist independent practice and has appeared before the Florida State House of Representatives as an expert clinician in healthcare issues. Dr. Valdés is a champion for student success, with a demonstrated unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in nurse education and the profession. He is an esteemed Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and a distinguished member of the Miami-Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame for his numerous contributions to the South Florida community. In recognition of his unwavering dedication to excellence in all his endeavors, Dr. Valdés was awarded the FIU President's Council Real Triumphs Faculty Award in 2021 in recognition of his significant engagement These accolades serve as a testament to his distinguished leadership within the university, his profession, and the larger community.
Throughout his career, Dr. Valdés has served as president of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and led numerous state and national professional nursing boards. From 2017-2020, he served as chair of the diversity and inclusion committee for the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, where he spearheaded national and regional presentations on diversity and nurse education.
Dr. Valdes’ focus as Acting Dean will be the continued success and enhancement of quality programs at the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, advancing the college’s research agenda, creating new innovative, collaborative spaces for growth, and providing exceptional educational experiences for students.
In 2012, Dr. Valdés earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from the University of Miami and his Masters in Nurse Anesthesia from the Mayo School of Health Sciences Nurse Anesthesia Program in 2002. Currently, Dr. Valdés is completing his Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from the College of Arts, Sciences & Education at Florida International University.
research interests
Cultural Diversity in Healthcare Cultural Sensitivity in Clinical Setting Diversity in Education Nurse Anesthesiology
