WCU at Baton Rouge General’s inaugural nursing class graduates
William Carey University at Baton Rouge General held commencement exercises Feb. 21 for its inaugural class of bachelor’s degree nursing graduates.
“We are honored to have been an integral part of developing these new nursing graduates. Throughout the BSN program, they have exemplified the knowledge, character, and fortitude essential to professional nursing,” said Dr. Catherine Belden, director of WCU at Baton Rouge General.
“We are delighted to have these graduates join our alumni family and look forward to watching their progress as they begin careers in nursing.”
The nursing program accepted its first students in fall 2018. Located at Baton Rouge General Medical Center, the curriculum enables students to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing in 18 months. After passing the National Council Licensure Examination, WCU nursing graduates will accept positions in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Here’s what some of WCU's nursing graduates said about their next steps:
- Elizabeth Guidry of Church Point: “I have accepted a job as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. I plan on working as an RN for three to five years before returning to school to become an APRN, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or a flight nurse. I believe graduating with my BSN puts me ahead of the game in the future and gives me a solid base to begin my nursing career.”
- Catherine Wilson of Baton Rouge earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration before entering WCU’s nursing program: “I plan to work as an RN in an oncology unit and gain the acute-care experience to tailor my future as, possibly, an administrator or a nurse practitioner. This will allow me to use both degrees and open doors professionally.”
- Sammi O’Neal Mack of Albany: “My game plan was never nursing, but after 15 major changes and no degree to show for it, I figured nursing school was a great way for me to get in, get out, and get my career started. Today I am grateful for nursing because while I love the ever-changing medical field and the growth and challenges that come along with it, I get to experience those things while holding someone’s hand in their greatest time of need.
- Allison Smith of Lafayette: “I plan to work as a nurse in a NICU, a neonatal intensive care unit, and gain knowledge in the field to return to school to become a nurse practitioner. I'm excited about my future and can't wait to make a difference in healthcare.”
- Kaelin Martin Lambert of St. Amant: “My goal is to work in an emergency room as a nurse and then go back to school to get my nurse practitioner degree. I have recently accepted a full-time position at the Baton Rouge General Medical Center as an emergency department nurse. I enjoy bringing joy to patients and seeing their progression to wellness.”
“We are very proud of this inaugural graduating class. They are a fine group of nurses who will positively affect healthcare in any areas that they care to be employed. We believe they will be the first of many nurses produced by our William Carey University at Baton Rouge General campus,” said Dr. Janet Williams, dean of the WCU College of Health Sciences.
Two graduates received special awards during the ceremony at Jefferson Baptist Church. Elizabeth Guidry received the Nightingale Scholar Award. April King received the Nurse Crusader Award. Dr. Karen Lyon, executive director of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, was the commencement speaker.
For more about the WCU at Baton Rouge General campus, call (225) 953-7017 or visit www.wmcarey.edu/nursing.
In the photo: WCU at Baton Rouge General’s inaugural class pauses for a photo after commencement. In the first row, from left, are: Virginia Harrington, MSN, RN, faculty; April King, graduate; Dr. Catherine Belden - director; Sammi Mack, graduate; and Carole Guidry, MSN, RN, faculty. In the second row are: Dr. Emily Scott, faculty and associate undergraduate dean; Catherine Wilson, graduate; Allison Smith, graduate; James Foley, MSN, RN, faculty; Kaelin Lambert, graduate; Elizabeth Guidry, graduate; and Dr. Patrick Brady, faculty and director of quality and compliance. Not pictured: Brandi Putnam, MSN, RN, faculty.