BRG School of Nursing Celebrates 45 New Nurses in 45th Graduation Ceremony
BATON ROUGE, La. – Forty-five new nurses graduated from Baton Rouge General’s School of Nursing during its fall commencement – the school’s 45th graduation ceremony -- joining the legion of talented nurses who have completed BRG’s program since 1984.
During the October 30 ceremony at Independence Park Theatre, the graduates received their diplomas after completing all required nursing courses and hands-on experience with seasoned practitioners during clinical rotations. Upon graduation from the diploma nursing program, graduates are prepared to take the registered nurse license exam (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN).
The graduation ceremony featured the presentation of 12 awards, given to students who showed aptitude in particular areas of patient care or who achieved exemplary academic marks. Generous donors and physicians who practice at Baton Rouge General made gifts to sponsor the awards.
• Anne Manson Award – Krystal Placide-Taylor
• Eugene Berry Award – Anna Falgout
• Excellence in Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing – Ashley Forrest
• Excellence in Maternal-Child Nursing – Brett Leiva
• Excellence in Management/Leadership – Taderia Beaulieu
• Excellence in Mental Health Nursing – Tia Zachary
• Excellence in Medical Surgical Nursing – Odyssey Bethancourt
• Faculty Award for Scholastic Achievement – Ashley Forrest
• Faculty Award for Student Excellence – Christen Armstead
• Grace Hough Award – Madison Hughes
• Kari Lefort Award – Callie Murray
• Nightingale Award – Katrina Kieren
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 Fall 2025:
Joseph Ables
Christen Armstead
Odyssey Toyelle Bethancourt
Taderia Gentrice Beaulieu
Hannah Marie Blancq
Dastashia N. Bourgoyne
Shea Collette
Courtney Cox
Ishmeil Kijon Dixon-Lee
Jahulisa Marie Dorsey
Chase Christopher Evans
Anna Grace Falgout
Tonnette Fleming
Skye Fontenot Templet
Wesley Ann Foreman
Ashley Kate Forrest
Magen Skye Gardner
Tarana Deona Graham
Kalen Henderson
Katherin Hernandez
Katherine Nicole Howard
Madison Elise Hughes
Caroline Elizabeth Johnson
Katrina Balentine Kieren
Madison Elizabeth Landry
Brett Nikole Leiva
Jontell Jai’Riel Lockett
Shalyn Marie Marshall
Callie Murray
Inayah Pink
Krystal Placide-Taylor
Cady Elizabeth Roberts
Tykeyia Ty’Shea Roland
Dionne Christy Rucker
Jillian Lane Schenk
Blair Shelton Scioneaux
Chelsey Sinclair Smith
Madison Lee Ridenour Szewc
Cara Elizabeth Threeton
Hena Dominque Velasco
Alexandra Emily Wallner
Jayza Weaver
Shamyra Norriahe Williams
Tia Zachary
Denni Gabrielle Zobrist
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, and the BRG School of Nursing has maintained an overall pass rate above 95% throughout its 40-plus-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.
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 and Internal Medicine Residency 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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