BRG School of Nursing Graduates New Nurses

BATON ROUGE, La. – Eighteen new nurses recently graduated from Baton Rouge General’s School of Nursing (SON), joining the legion of talented nurses who have completed BRG’s program since 1984.

During the Oct. 29 ceremony at Jefferson Baptist Church, the graduates received their diplomas after completing all required nursing courses and hands-on experience with seasoned practitioners during clinical rotations. After receiving their diplomas, graduates take the registered nurse license exam (NCLEX-RN) to be licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN).

“We are especially proud of this group of new nurses, who charged ahead despite COVID-related challenges,” said Linda Markey, PhD, MSN, RN, BRG SON Director. “Nursing requires outstanding character, dedication, and oftentimes sacrifice, and now it’s their turn to answer the call to serve the community.”

During the ceremony, a number of honors were presented to students:

• Award for Scholastic Achievement – Lisa Johnson
• Award for Student Excellence – Alicia Brock
• Eugene Berry Award – Lisa Johnson
• Grace Hough Award – Lindsay Gauthreaux
• Kari Lefort Award – Ariane Smith
• Award for Excellence in Maternal-Child Nursing – Destani Guillory
• Award for Excellence in Management/High Acuity Nursing – Christopher Goff
• Award for Excellence in Mental Health Nursing – Alicia Brock
• Award for Excellence in Medical Surgical Nursing – Aja Jones

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

The BRG School of Nursing Class of 2021 is (pictured left to right):

Back Row: Aja Jones, Lindsay Gauthreaux, Lorrel Brown, Andy Core, La'Naisha Celestine, Christopher Goff, Emley Rogers, Chandler Price, Valencia Selders

Front Row: Nicole Adams, Emily Grant, Ariane Smith, Tres' Gravois, Sidney Thibodeaux, Lisa Johnson, Alicia Brock, Destani Guillory, Scottye Cassard

BRG’s School of Nursing recently earned re-accreditation for the next eight-year period. It is frequently recognized by the LSBN for its 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, the BRG School of Nursing has maintained an overall pass rate above 95% throughout its 35-year history. The school has also seen growth in its licensed practical nurse (LPN) mobility program, which fast-tracks the process for LPNs to become RNs.

The school admits new nursing students twice a year, in January and July, and is currently enrolling for the January 2022 co-hort. For information, click here or call (225) 387-7623.

About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three 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 is affiliated with several medical school programs, and 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 @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.

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