BRG School of Nursing Graduates 34 New Nurses

BATON ROUGE, La. – Thirty-four new nurses recently graduated from Baton Rouge General’s School of Nursing, joining the more than 1,000 talented nurses who have completed BRG’s program since 1984.

During the ceremony at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, the graduates received their diplomas after two years of general education, detailed nursing courses and hands-on experience with seasoned practitioners. After receiving their diplomas, graduates take the registered nurse license exam (NCLEX-RN) to be licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN).

“With the continued need for nurses in our state and community, these graduates play a critical role in the healthcare workforce,” said SON Director Linda Markey, PhD, MSN, RN. “They are prepared to provide excellent patient care in a variety of settings, and we are proud to welcome them to the nursing community.”

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

• Garnie Belvin Eggars Award (oncology): Jenny Ashley
• Award for Scholastic Achievement: Aida Toure
• Award for Excellence: Desh Maurice
• Maternal Child Nursing Award: Mackenzie Mitchell
• Mental Health Nursing Award: Heidi Broussard
• Medical Surgical Nursing I Award: Kristen Ashford
• Medical Surgical Nursing II Award: Brittany Kensey
• High Acuity Nursing Award: Mary Kate McGrew

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.

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 34-year history.

The BRG School of Nursing Class of 2018 is (pictured left to right):

First Row: Jennifer Masanz, Desh Maurice, Brittny Averette, Jean Marie Hill, Heidi Broussard, Callie Mizell, and Jenny Ashley. Second Row: Sydney Mitchell, Hanna Simpson, Demi Henderson, Sydney Jo O’Banion, Becky Walker, Mackenzie Mitchell, Kristen Ashford, and Yuna Choi. Third Row: Shana Hamilton, Brittany Kensey, Chelsey Deweese, Jamie Odum, Holli Delapasse, Madison Gullatt, Ashley Gautreau, Mary Kate McGrew, Lacey Jones, and Kristen Thornhill. Fourth Row: Jenna Ard, Rebecca McCoy, Madison Free, Aida Toure, Cora Duehring, Stephanie Garcia, Erin Whitstine, Katy Griffin, Lauren Hotstream, and Penny Van Pelt, nursing program coordinator.

Learn more about BRG’s nursing program here or by calling (225) 387-7623.