Baton Rouge General School of Nursing Announces 2017 Graduating Class

Baton Rouge, La. – Thirty-two potential nurses recently graduated from Baton Rouge General’s School of Nursing, joining the nearly 1,000 talented nurses who have completed BRG’s program since 1984.

During the December 7 ceremony at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, the graduates received diplomas for their nursing education. After completing a year of general education, students mastered two years of detailed nursing courses and hands-on experience with seasoned nursing faculty members. To become Registered Nurses (RNs), they will take the registered nurse license exam (NCLEX-RN) to be licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

“These graduates are well prepared to deliver excellent patient care in many areas, including labor and delivery, mental health and surgery,” said SON Director Carol Tingle, PhD, MSN, RN. “We are proud to welcome them to the nursing community.”

Types of nurses vary by levels of education. Graduates who have their nursing diploma, associate, or bachelor’s degrees and pass the NCLEX-RN are considered RNs. RNs physically assess patients’ health problems, providing care while offering support, advice and education for families. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for RNs is at an all-time high, and is expected to increase by more than 500,000 from 2012 to 2022.

Many of BRG’s new graduates will begin their careers at Baton Rouge General in Telemetry, Oncology, and medical and surgical units. After entering nursing, many graduates have gone on to earn advanced degrees, and many work in management or leadership positions, or as nurse practitioners and educators.

The BRG School of Nursing Class of 2017 is (pictured left to right):

First Row: Amanda Badeaux, Gonzales; Linsey Mayer, Gonzales; Chris Hymel, St. Amant; Beatrice Butler, Baton Rouge. Second Row: Ciara Lewis, Vallejo, CA; Jami Moore, Gonzales; Adell Johnson, Prairieville; Jana Delome, Fordoche; Melissa Stehr, Baton Rouge. Third Row: Barbara LaBarge, Baton Rouge; Kaley Davis, Walker; Britteny Granger, Marrerro; Blair Ducote, Prairieville; Robin Lightfoot-Joseph, Prairieville; Logan Horn, Prairieville; Rebecca Elzer, Prairieville. Fourth Row: Sara Fee, Zachary; Stephanie Creel, Central; Victoria Comeaux, Dutchtown; Keyoka Tyler, New Orleans; Kristen Hartzog, Slidell; Kelsey Couvillion, Central; Catherine Welch, Folsom; Jayde Pizzolato, Central; Klaire LeBlanc, Central. Fifth Row: Joy Mumford, Hammond; Colleen Prejean, Baton Rouge; Cierra Julien, New Orleans; Jenika Jackson, Gonzales; Whitney Alford-Evans, Erwinville; Alaina Turner, Baton Rouge; Nichole Capps, Bethesda, MD.

To learn more about BRG’s School of Nursing, visit BRGeneral.org/school-of-nursing, email NursingSchool@BRGeneral.org or call (225) 387-7623.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with 588 licensed beds between two campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program, Internal Medicine Residency Program, and Sports Medicine Fellowship Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter at @BRGeneral.