School of Nursing Celebrates Fall Commencement, New Graduates

BATON ROUGE, La. – Thirty-four 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 October 28 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).

During the ceremony, several honors were presented to students:

• Anne Manson Award – Janet Acevedo and Ja’lisha Hollins
• Excellence in Maternal-Child Nursing – Jordan Richardson
• Excellence in Management/Leadership – Shellie Brown and Lauren Findish
• Excellence in Mental Health Nursing – Bryce Valicevic
• Excellence in Medical Surgical Nursing – Kyleigh George and Monique Velasco
• Faculty Award for Scholastic Achievement – Lauren Findish
• Faculty Award for Student Excellence – Bryce Valicevic
• Grace Hough Award – Julia Keller
• Kari Lefort Award – Jahaira Johnson

Award winners also received Luebbert Family Scholarship funds to honor those who share in the beliefs of faith, hard work, family values and a love of caring for others as future nurses.

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.

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.

Applications are being accepted through November 15 for January 2023 admission. 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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