Recently, I had the honor of speaking at the Northshore District Association's Nurse Excellence Awards—a beautiful evening dedicated to celebrating the nurses who exemplify the very best of our profession. This event occurred just after I returned from a week-long pilgrimage—a time of spiritual reflection that allowed me to pause, breathe, and rediscover what is most important in my life.

Weeks later, after a long and difficult recovery, that same patient returned to the ICU—not as a patient, but as a visitor. He sought me out, and when we met, he told me something I will never forget: he remembered my voice. He remembered the encouragement, the gentle reassurances, and the calm presence I tried to offer when I wasn't sure anyone was listening. He said those words gave him the strength to fight harder during his recovery.

That moment changed me. It reminded me that the essence of nursing isn't found in procedures or technology, but in human connection. Our words, our touch, our compassion---they matter. Even when we think no one notices, they can become the very lifeline someone needs to keep going.

This experience is one of my "whys." It's what drives me to continue advocating for nurses and the profession that has given me so much. Nursing is not just a job—it is a calling rooted in empathy, service, and humanity.

As I looked around the room at the Northshore Nurse Excellence Awards, I saw that same calling reflected in the faces of every honoree. Each nurse recognized that evening carries their own "why"—their own story of compassion, resilience, and purpose. Their dedication inspires all of us to keep moving forward, to continue advocating for our profession, and to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

To all the nurses who were honored that evening—and to every nurse across our state—thank you. You remind us that even the smallest acts of care can leave a lasting legacy. May we each continue to find strength and inspiration in our "why," and in doing so, continue to elevate the heart and soul of nursing in Louisiana.

Yours in service,

Lesley Tilley DNP, RN, NE-BC

After three years serving as Executive Director of the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA) and Louisiana Nurses Foundation (LNF), two years supporting the Louisiana Association of Student Nurses (LASN), and a total of eight years of combined board leadership and operational service, I have made the decision to return to nursing leadership within a health system.

Serving Louisiana's nursing community in this role has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. Leading through a time of transition, challenge, and opportunity has been both humbling and inspiring. Together, we strengthened the collective voice of nurses, expanded our advocacy presence across the state, and moved critical issues forward that will impact practice, education, and public health for years to come.

Throughout my tenure, advocacy remained at the center of our work. I am incredibly proud of the legislative progress we achieved together. Louisiana became the 12th state in the nation to require surgical smoke evacuation through legislation championed in partnership with Senator Gerald Boudreaux and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). This important policy protects nurses and surgical teams and reinforces what we know to be true: safe workplaces lead to safer patients.

Workplace violence prevention also became a defining priority. The Lynne Truxillo Workplace Violence Prevention Act, advanced with Representative Dustin Miller, nursing organizations statewide, and Lynne's brother Gene Sausse, represented both a professional and personal commitment to ensuring that no nurse feels unsafe doing the work they are called to do. This legislation was built from advocacy, persistence, and partnership, and I am proud of the role LSNA played in advancing protections for nurses across Louisiana.

Equally meaningful was our work in maternal and infant health. What began as a spontaneous evening call with Chontel Carter Frank, NP evolved into a statewide task force supported by Senator Gary Carter Jr. This effort resulted in more than 30 recommendations focused on reducing maternal mortality and infant prematurity, including the adoption of AWHONN early warning signs and the pursuit of federal grant funding. I remain deeply thankful to leaders such as Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, MAS and Frankie Robertson, MPA for their expertise and collaboration in this vital work.

Beyond the legislature, strengthening professional infrastructure and recognition was a major focus. During my tenure, LSNA expanded its celebration of excellence through the development of the LSNA 40 Under 40 Awards, designed to highlight rising nurse leaders across the state. The impact of the Nightingale Awards also grew, creating a richer culture of recognition that honors nurses not only for what they do, but for who they are. Through expanded social media engagement and storytelling, we intentionally elevated member accomplishments, advocacy wins, and professional milestones, ensuring that nurses across Louisiana felt seen, heard, and valued.

Supporting nursing students remained deeply personal to me. One of my proudest accomplishments was restoring the Louisiana Association of Student Nurses to good standing and securing $50,000 to help the organization thrive. Building strong leadership pathways for students ensures the future of our profession, and I am grateful to have played a role in strengthening that pipeline.

Organizationally, LSNA and LNF grew in stability and purpose. Governance structures were strengthened, financial oversight improved, partnerships expanded, and the capacity of the organizations deepened. Together, we served more than 65,000 registered nurses and over 1,000 nursing students across the state while managing complex programming, statewide initiatives, and events that advanced both profession and policy.

Although I am stepping down as Executive Director, I am not stepping away from nursing leadership. I have accepted a position as Clinical Director at University Medical Center New Orleans, a return to the work that first called me to nursing---supporting care teams, improving outcomes, and serving our community from within the healthcare system. I will also continue to serve nationally as a Director-at-Large on the American Nurses Association Board of Directors, ensuring Louisiana nurses remain represented at the highest levels of professional leadership.

As I close this chapter, I do so with immense gratitude. To the boards, staff, volunteers, members, partners, and policymakers who made this work possible, thank you. Every success was shared, every challenge met together.

I am confident the organizations will continue to flourish under the leadership of Lesley Tilley, DNP, RN, NE-BC; Coletta C. Barrett, DNP, MHA, RN, FAHA, FACHE; Keshia Carhee; Debbie Ford, Interim Executive Director; and Tiara Battiste, Program Coordinator. I look forward to watching LSNA, LNF, and LASN continue to grow, advocate, and lead with purpose.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime.

Ahnyel Burkes, DNP, RN-BC, NEA-BC
Executive Director, LSNA and LNF (2022--2025)
Advocate, Educator, and Proud Louisiana Nurse

As we enter this season of gratitude, I find myself thinking about how complex and demanding healthcare has become. Teams carry heavier workloads, dealing with staff shortages, and shouldering emotional burdens that often extend far beyond the end of a shift. Even amid these pressures, we see daily examples of compassion, excellence, and quiet dedication and professionalism.

This year, I want to offer thanks in two directions: thanks for you, and thanks to you.

First, I am deeply thankful for you -- for your commitment to patients and families, for the way you show up for each other, and for the courage it takes to keep showing up, especially when it is hard. Research reminds us that what nurses do goes far beyond what a job description could capture. Even small gratitude practices -- like writing down three good things at the end of a shift -- have been shown to lower stress, ease depression, and reduce burnout among health care workers (Cheng et al., 2015).

In a study at five public hospitals, doctors and nurses who intentionally took time to reflect on what they were grateful for felt less stressed and less depressed over time than those who did not (Cheng et al., 2015). Another program had direct care workers keep a gratitude journal program for 21 days. Three months later, they still reported feeling more thankful, less stressed and less burned out (Tully et al., 2023). The takeaway? Gratitude does not make hardships go away, but it changes how we handle it. Second, I want to say thanks to you---not in a vague or general way, but for the intentional ways you show up every day. Thanks to those who stayed late so a colleague could go home to a sick child. To those who treat every patient with dignity and respect, even when the schedule is slammed and the waiting room is overflowing. A heartfelt thanks to leaders and staff who aren't afraid to ask tough questions, push for improvement, and keep advocating for safer, more supportive spaces for patients and caregivers. The science of gratitude is increasingly evident. Dozens of studies show that cultivating gratitude is tied to feeling better emotionally, cultivating stronger relationships, and even seeing physical and mental health improvement (Diniz et al., 2023; Jans-Beken et al., 2023; Sansone & Sansone, 2010). These benefits are not just for people feel life is "easy"; gratitude often has the biggest impacts when life feels messy and uncertain.

That matters in healthcare.

We cannot -- and should not -- ignore the very real challenges in nursing: short staffing, moral distress, tight budgets, and the lingering effects of the pandemic, to name only a few. But even as we work to fix these issues, gratitude helps us see what is still good: a patient's smile, a team that pulls together on a hard day, a quiet moment of connection amid chaos.

This season, I invite all of us in nursing to practice gratitude in simple and meaningful ways:

• Take a minute at the end of your day to jot down or even speak out loud, three specific things that went well or that you are thankful for.

• Pause to consider who has made a difference in your life; someone for whom you are truly grateful. Then share this joy with them by picking up the phone and letting them know how grateful you are for the way they touched your life.

• Offer a sincere "thank you" to a colleague and tell them exactly what you appreciated.

• Pause with your team once a week to name the wins -- large or small -- that might otherwise go unnoticed.

These are small actions, but they are not small in impact. When gratitude becomes part of our everyday culture -- not just a one-time exercise -- it can ease stress, build resilience, and make the work we care about more sustainable and hopeful (Dinzi et al., 2023; Janz-Becken et al., 2019).

On behalf of LNF, thank you for your dedication, your professionalism, and your willingness to serve. I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of working alongside you.

 Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and restorative season of thanks.

Coletta C. Barrett, DNP, MHA, RN, FAHA, FACHE

President, Louisiana Nurses Foundation 

Ecoee Rooney, DNP, RN, AFN-C, NPD-BC, DF-AFN

Secretary, Louisiana Nurses Foundation

2025 Fellows of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing

Posthumous ADLN Fellows

These historical trailblazing nurse leaders paved the way for JEDI in nursing. Despite their extraordinary contributions, many of these phenomenal leaders did not receive the recognition they deserved during their lifetime. We stand on their shoulders and honor them posthumously by inducting them as inaugural ADLN Fellows.

• Major Nancy Leftenant-Colon, DHL, RN
• Lottie Harris, BA, RN
• Lillian Holland Harvey, PhD, RN
• Martha Helen Primeaux, RN
• Darlene Ruffin-Alexander, PhD, RN, CNA, LNHA
• Lorene Sanders Farris, EdD, MSN, MSEd, EdD, RN
• Jesse Sleet Scales, RN, PHN
• Debra Marie Smith, RN, PHN, MS
• Captain Pelagie Carrie “Mike” Snesrud, BS, RN,
• Beverly Stabber Warne, MS, RN
• Yu (Philip) Xu, Phd, MEd, MSN, AASN, PHN

Luminary ADLN Fellows

This group of Fellows comprises highly distinguished individuals who are renowned for their JEDI contributions in education, research, practice, policy, or administration. Each luminary ADLN Fellow has at least thirty years of experience in nursing and continues to open doors for greater JEDI in nursing while they continue their innovative, groundbreaking work.

• Jochebed B. Ade-Oshifogun, PhD, NI-RN, CNE, PMHNP-BC
• Caroline Austin-Mattison, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FNYAM
• Gaurdia Banister, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
• Cynthia Bienemy, PhD, RN
• Betty Boyle Duke, DNP, CPNP-PC, RN
• Michele Crespo-Fierro, PhD, MPH, RN, AACRN, CNE, FNYAM, FAAN
• Emerson Ea, PhD, DNP, APRN, FAAN
• Pablito R. Gahol, DHA, MBA, MPA, MMAS, MSS, BSN, RN, FNYAM
• Samantha Gambles Farr, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, ACHPN, RNFA
• Lois V. Greene DHA, MBA, BSN, NEA-BC
• Monique Jenkins, PhD, MA, APRN, FNP-BC, FNYAM
• Ottamissiah Moore BSN, RN, WCC, DWC, CHPN, CGNC, CAEd
• Germaine C. Nelson, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CPXP, CCM, CEN
• Eugenia T. Powell, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CPHQ
• Denise M. Robinson DNP, MPH, WOCN, FCNLA
• Cynthia E. Samuel, PhD, RN, CSN-NJ, FNASN, FNYAM
• Nutrena H. Tate, PhD, MBA, APRN, CPNP-PC
• Suja P. Thomas, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, RN, COCN, CWCN, CCCN
• Anna Valdez, PhD, RN, PHN, CEN, CFRN, FAADN, FAEN
• Janet A. Williams, DNP, MSM, CNM, FACNM
• Rick Zoucha, PhD, PMHCNS, CTN-A, FTNSS, FETNA, FAAN

Distinguished ADLN Fellows

This group of Fellows consists of individuals who have created innovative JEDI initiatives in nursing and transformed nursing education, research, practice, policy or administration.

• Kafayat Abba MSN, RN, CDP, CCRN-CMC, NE-BC
• Lucia Alfano, EdD, MA, RN
• Mark Alvarez, PhD, RN, CNE
• Jerrica V. Ampadu, PhD, RN
• Suha Ballout, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Kendra M. Barrier, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
• Paul Jeffrey Borja, PhD, RN
• Jami S. Brown, DHEd, MSN, RN, CNN, FANNA
• Tiffany C. Brown, DNP, FNP-C, RN, MADD
• Marcella L. Carr, BSN, RN
• Luis E. Caso Vega, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, NE-BC, TCRN
• Kendrick T. Clack, MS, APRN, FNP-C, AACRN, AAHIVS
• Maya N. Clark-Cutaia, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC
• Benita Chatmon, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
• Sonya Curtis, DHA, DNP, MBA, RN, CNL, CPHQ
• Fernand De Los Reyes, PhD, RN, PMH-BC
• Sasha DuBois, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
• Adrian Espinosa, RN, MPH, MS, PHN, FNP-BC
• Torica Fuller, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, FNP-C, WHNP-BC, CDP, CGRN, CPN, NRCME
• Julian L Gallegos, PhD, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC, NREMT, CNL, CMHE, FAUNA
• Robin A Geiger, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC
• DaJanae Gresham-Ryder DNP, MSN, RN, PHN, CMSRN
• Leah Gordon, DNP, RN, FNP-C
• Yuqing Guo, RN
• Denise Henry, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, AHN-BC, CCM
• Grissel Hernandez, PhD, MPH, RN, HNB-BC, NPD-BC, SGAHN
• Jamerson Holloway, DNP, MBA, RN
• Charleen Jacobs-McFarlane, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC
• Jaliza Y. Johnson, DNP, MBA, RN, PHN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC
• Stacey E. Johnson DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, CCM, CMGT-BC
• Mesha Jones, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
• Angela Rosa Jourdain, DrPH, MSN, RN, CCRN, NEA-BC, FNYAM
• Charles Milton Joyner Jr. MSN, FNP
• Linda Kim, PhD, MSN, RN, PHN, CPHQ, CGNC
• Aron King, PhD(c), MS, RN
• J’Adore Larosa-Mattis, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FNYAM
• Benjamin Lindsay, MS, RN, CCRN-CMC, PCCN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC
• Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, DNP, RN, CPPS, CPHRM
• Celia McIntosh, DNP, RN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CCRN, CEN, SCRN, CNRN
• Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, RNC-OB, C-ONQS
• Janette V. Moreno, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC
• Donna-Marie Palakiko, PhD, RN, APRN
• Pedro Morante DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, LNC, GERO-BC, MEDSURG-BC, GERO-BC, PMH-BC, APRN
• Janet Passley-Clarke, Ph.D., DNP, MS, RN, CRNP, PMH-BC
• Sandy Phan, DNP, RN, NPDA-BC, NPD-BC, EBP-CH
• Denise Angelo Prudencio, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, PCCN, CGNC, FFNMRCSI
• Reneè Roberts-Turner, DHA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CPHQ
• Aundrea Robinson, MSN, RN
• Rebecca Hidalgo Salomon, MSN, RN
• Rebecca O Shasanmi Ellis, PhD, MS, MPH, RN
• Rayne Soriano, PhD, RN, NE-BC
• Ali R. Tayyeb, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, PHN, FAAN
• Jenny Uguru, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, AMB-BC, CLC, GRN
• Daniela Vargas, MSN, MPH, MA-Bioethics, RN, PHN
• Jessica Varghese, PhD, RN
• Alanda R. White, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, HIVPCP, FPA, PFA
• Mamie Williams, PhD, MPH, MSN, APRN
• Marie P Wilson DNP, WHNP, RNC-MNN, CLC
• Tracy R. Wilson, DNP, MBe, MSN.Ed., APRN, FNP-C, FAANP

Tricia and Robin celebrating being at Sigma conference in Indianapolis

District was well represented at this year’s Sigma 48th Biennial Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Chapter Board members Robin Beacom, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, and Tricia Templet, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, FNP-C, along with Cynthia Watson, DNP, RN, FNP-BC presented their research on Interactive Learning and Dosage Calculation Performance.  Members Sharonda Johnson and Arielle St Romain also gave a presentation entitled Building Confidence and Clinical Judgment in Nursing Students Through BCMA

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Broussard, who received the Nightingale Award for Nursing School Administrator of the Year at this year’s Nightingale Awards

District 4 held its bimonthly meeting at Zea’s in November.  Business centered around moving the District forward with the approval of the ballot for our new Board of Directors.  An education presentation was provided by Elsie Meaux, who spoke on “Nursing MAP: A Guide to Advocacy and Professionalism in Nursing.”

The NDNA Annual Award Program was held on Nov. 4th at Benedict’s. We had exceptional sponsorship and attendance by area nurses and facilities. This year’s event was restructured as a dinner Gala. Complimentary tickets were provided to NDNA Board Members and award recipients, along with a member discount. Posters announcing the award recipients were distributed to each facility. A lovely balloon archway served as the photo gallery. Each honoree received an etched Award plate, certificate, and NDNA tote bag. Large floral table settings were purchased. Despite substantial expenses, we were able to generate significant revenue to sustain our operations, update branding with a new logo on our marketing materials, expand services, promote new graduate engagement, etc.

Our favorite Master of Ceremony, Chad Sabadie, led the event. LSNA President, Dr. Lesly Tilley, NDNA President, Teresa Krutzfeldt and Dr. Coletta Barret, LNF President addressed the group. NDNA presented LNF with a donation of $500 and an attendee anonymously matched the donation. Over 150 attendees. A wonderful time was had by all. Outstanding feedback.

AWARD HONOREES:

Nifty-fifty recipients, presented by NDNA Pres and NDNA V.P., Yvette Bertaut that were recognized for fifty years of nursing service were Janice Augustine and Janet Guerra. Dr. Ecoee Rooney received the President’s Award in appreciation for her development and implementation of the NDNA Community Service Program. Thank you to the NDNA BOD for coordinating this outstanding event.

FOLLOW US:  Keep current on social media:

Website -https://northshoredna.nursingnetwork.com                                                                

Facebook – Northshore District Nurses Association

LinkedIn: - Northshore District Nurses Association-NDNA

The Northeast District Nurses Association gathered at Glenwood Regional Medical Center on November 6, 2025, for an evening dedicated to fun, relaxation, and connection. The Refuel and Reignite event invited nurses to pause, recharge, and celebrate the spirit of nursing through a variety of hands-on wellness activities. Several interactive “relaxation stations” were set up throughout the space, allowing participants to explore Zen gardening, enjoy soothing hand massages, experiment with calming aromatherapy blends, and unwind through creative coloring activities.

Laughter and conversation filled the room as members shared stories, reconnected with colleagues, and enjoyed an assortment of snacks and refreshments. 

NODNA OPEN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

NODNA is currently seeking enthusiastic and energetic individuals to serve in the following board roles: Director of Organizational Advancement and Director of Communications.

We are also seeking Chairs for the following committees: Awards & Scholarship, Nominating, and Research. If you are interested in contributing your talents, skills, and leadership to one of these important roles, please contact Catina Gordon-Oates at president@nolanurses.com. We would love to have you join us in helping to shape the future of nursing in our district!

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

NODNA’s membership meetings are scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month. Please go to http://nodna.nursingnetwork.com to view the 2025 operational calendar. NODNA provides nurses an opportunity to earn CE Credit and network with other nurses throughout the New Orleans Metro Area.

NODNA CELEBRATES STUDENT NURSES NIGHT 2025

NODNA celebrated their annual Student Nurses Night on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel in Kenner. The 2025 Student Nurses Night was a tremendous success, uniting nursing students, educators, and leaders from across the Greater New Orleans area to celebrate the next generation of nurses. The event inspired students to embrace growth, resilience, and leadership as they transition into professional practice. With participation from multiple schools, local health systems, and NODNA leadership, the evening highlighted the strength and unity of our nursing community.

Key moments included a warm welcome from NODNA President Catina Gordon-Oates, an inspiring keynote address by Director of Membership - Akesha Allen, BSN, RN, and a closing recognition of Outstanding Student Nurse Leaders for their excellence and engagement by Vice President Mimi Gary. Interactive activities, including a social media networking game, fostered connection and excitement among attendees. Feedback related to the event was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the event’s uplifting atmosphere and meaningful networking opportunities for these future nursing leaders.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

NODNA IN THE COMMUNITY

The New Orleans District Nurses Association (NODNA) proudly participated in the Susan G. Komen “More Than Pink” Breast Cancer Walk, joining nurses, families, and community members to honor survivors and those lost to breast cancer. NODNA members and guests walked together, proudly representing the organization in support of awareness, research, and prevention.

A highlight of the event was NODNA’s “Board of Hope,” where participants shared names of loved ones affected by breast cancer - a touching display that inspired heartfelt conversations about courage, healing, and early detection. The event also offered valuable opportunities for community engagement, allowing NODNA to share its mission and connect with potential new members. This effort strengthened NODNA’s community presence and reinforced the vital role nurses play in advocacy and health education.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ADDITONAL PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

LET’S GET SOCIAL

We are building more than just a network - we are building a movement of enthusiastic, empowered, and connected nurses across the New Orleans region. Stay in the loop and feel the energy by following NODNA on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for nurse spotlights, event highlights, behind-the-scenes fun, and everything in between! 

Whether you are a student, bedside nurse, or nursing leader - there is something for everyone.

You do not want to miss out - come join the fun, stay informed, and celebrate nursing with us!

A NOTE FROM NODNA’S PRESIDENT

As we move closer to the end of the year and into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued commitment to nursing excellence and to our NODNA community. This time of year reminds us of the importance of reflection, connection, and gratitude—and I am deeply thankful for each of you who give so much of your time, energy, and heart to our profession.

Whether through volunteering, mentoring, participating in events, or advocating for the health of our communities, your engagement continues to make a meaningful impact. Together, we’ve accomplished so much—and I’m excited for all that lies ahead as we continue to grow, support one another, and uplift the next generation of nurses.

Wishing you a season filled with peace, joy, and the warmth that comes from knowing your work truly makes a difference.

With gratitude,

The Louisiana Nurse Honor Guard is growing!  In October, the CENLA Chapter held an induction ceremony and added over 20 nurses to their ranks.  Acadiana was happy to welcome three new members in October.  Other chapters have added new members as more nurses have either attended the funeral of a nurse who had the Nightingale Tribute performed or heard about it from a friend, nursing colleague, or family member. 

We need the support of all of the nurses or Louisiana, both RNs and LPNs, to help us spread the word to either participate as a member of the Nurse Honor Guard or to ensure that whenever any nurse passes away, they can have the opportunity for a Nightingale Tribute at their wake or funeral.  There are nine chapters throughout the state, and we are available once the family requests a service to give this special tribute.  This service means so much to the families. Below is a quote from the sister of a nurse whose Tribute was done in November:  “Your Tribute touched the hearts and souls of all of Freida’s family and friends.  Thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts!”

One of the newest services offered with some chapters is a Living Tribute for nurses who are near the end of life, and we are able to provide a service at their nursing home, Hospice or home with family members and friends present.  The Acadiana chapter has done two services recently for six nurses in two nursing homes.  Lap blankets with the Nurse Honor Guard Logo are given in place of the Nightingale lamp, and their nursing service biographies are shared.  

Prayers to our nurse colleagues who have passed away over the past  month:

Mari Espina Rose Gahn

Mary Kalantari

Carmel Bordenave Higginbotham

Freida Fontenot Keller

Etta Jane “Penny” Villavaso

You Are Officially Released From Your Nursing Duties    

 Rest in Peace

As we get ready to close out 2025, I want to encourage all of you to consider making it a priority to make a contribution to LANPAC and to get involved in the activities of our group.  You may ask yourself, Why should I get involved or donate? What difference can I make as only one person?  There is power in numbers, and making contributions to the campaigns of legislators who are friendly to nursing is imperative to getting our voices heard on legislative initiatives.