Meet Geidy Rivers: A South University, Tampa Nursing Graduate
“Education has had a profound impact on my life. I believe it has empowered me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” shares 2021 South University, Tampa graduate, Geidy Rivers.
Geidy holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and is the proud owner and CEO of the private practice JCE Health in Tampa, Florida. With over a decade of nursing experience, Geidy has cared for many patients and served her community and the nursing field in a multitude of ways, thanks to her education, professional commitment, and hard work.“The most rewarding aspect of my career has been witnessing the positive outcomes in my patients and playing a role in helping them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives,” she says.
Getting Broad Nursing Experience
Nursing has always called to Geidy. Immediately after high school, she started her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Before long, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and began working in correctional care. There, her interest in psychiatry began to take root. She also gained experience as a pediatric home health nurse, which helped her learn the value of family-centered care.Eventually, Geidy earned her Registered Nurse (RN) license and then a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). As an RN, she spent over six years providing end-of-life care in hospice settings. She also worked in juvenile detention centers, outpatient surgery centers, and rehabilitation facilities. As she gained experience across these settings, Geidy felt a growing desire to deepen her involvement in patient care. She decided to return to school to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. “I wanted to take a more active role in managing both acute and chronic conditions and to have a greater impact on the health and well-being of my patients,” she explains.
Studying FNP Nursing at South University
After researching schools near her Florida home, Geidy decided on South University. “South University stood out to me as a well-rounded and reputable institution,” she says. “The Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner aligned perfectly with my professional goals and offered the comprehensive curriculum and clinical preparation I was seeking to advance my career.”At South University, Geidy found an enriching educational environment with hands-on learning that prepared her well for being an FNP. “The program expanded my knowledge and gave me the opportunity to apply my skills in real-world settings through exceptional clinical rotation sites,” she says.
She also appreciated the support and mentorship of her South University nursing instructors. “The faculty were exceptional, bringing a wealth of expertise and knowledge in their respective fields,” she says. “I had the privilege of working with outstanding mentors, many of whom I still maintain strong professional relationships with today.”
Committed to Lifelong Learning
After becoming certified as an FNP, Geidy honed her skills in a primary care clinic. However, Geidy still had an interest in psychiatry and saw growing mental health needs in her community. To pursue this interest, Geidy earned a Post-Master’s Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate. From there, she joined an outpatient psychiatric clinic and worked per diem at Falkenburg Jail in Tampa, Florida, delivering psychiatric services to incarcerated individuals. Driven by her commitment to professional excellence, Geidy also eventually added a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to her accomplishments.“I consider myself fortunate to be in a position where I can help others, and I am deeply passionate about continual learning,” says Geidy. “I actively engage in webinars, continuing education, and other opportunities to expand my knowledge. My ultimate goal is to become an expert in my field, ensuring that I provide the highest level of care to my patients.”
Opening a Private Practice
Drawing on her extensive education and experience, Geidy decided to bring all her interests together by opening her own clinic. “As my career progressed, it became clear that my ultimate goal was to establish a private practice where I could integrate my diverse clinical expertise to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and individualized care,” she says.At her Tampa private practice, Geidy specializes in psychiatric care with an integrative approach that includes elements of functional medicine. While part of her job is overseeing the daily operations of her practice, her primary focus is delivering holistic, patient-centered care using evidence-based diagnostic tools, clinical judgment, and individualized treatment plans.
“I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships by taking the time to actively listen to my patients and understand their unique needs,” she says. “My overarching aim is to improve mental health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for my patients, while actively working to reduce the prevalence of mental health conditions within my community.”
To support underserved populations, Geidy currently sees uninsured patients with a sliding-scale fee structure based on financial circumstances. Some patients are seen at no cost. “Mental health care should be accessible to all, regardless of insurance status or financial means,” she says. “I remain committed to breaking down barriers to care and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to receive the support they need.”
Inspirational Advice
For both current and future students, Geidy has straightforward advice. “Never doubt yourself and never give up. If you believe in your abilities and set clear goals, you have the power to achieve them. The challenges you face along the way will only serve to strengthen your resilience,” she says. “Stay committed to your path, follow your passions, and dedicate yourself every day to creating a brighter future.”Inspired by this graduate success story?
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Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
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Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on information shared in 2025.
