NDNA Celebrates the 2025 Nightingale Honorees

Louisiana Nurses Foundation Announces 2025 Nightingale Award Honorees 

Baton Rouge, LA – September 8, 2025 – The Louisiana Nurses Foundation (LNF) proudly celebrated 
excellence in nursing at the 2025 Nightingale Awards Gala, honoring outstanding nurses, educators, 
administrators, hospitals, and schools whose dedication and innovation continue to advance healthcare 
across Louisiana.

The Nightingale Awards are the state’s premier recognition program for nursing, designed to highlight 
those who exemplify leadership, advocacy, clinical excellence, and commitment to the profession.

2025 Nightingale Award Honorees

Hospitals of the Year

• 161+ Beds: Manning Family Children’s Hospital – Recognized for groundbreaking pediatric 
programs, community equity initiatives, and its Magnet®-designated nursing excellence.

• 61–160 Beds: Our Lady of the Angels Hospital – Honored for transforming rural healthcare 
through innovation, including opioid-sparing pain management and substance-exposed newborn 
care.

• 60 Beds or Less: New Orleans East Hospital – Celebrated for its nurse-led mobile team and 
impactful community outreach addressing health disparities.

Outstanding Employer or Facility of the Year
• Northshore Technical Community College – Acknowledged for rapidly expanding nursing 
education, strong faculty development, and its first graduating ASN cohort in 2025.

Nursing Schools of the Year

• Graduate: Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University – Honored for high-performing MSNFNP and DNP-NA programs, innovative teaching, and consistent national board success.

• Undergraduate: Southeastern Louisiana University – Recognized for exceptional NCLEX pass 
rates, recruitment pipelines, and strong student retention and success outcomes.

Individual Excellence Awards

• Clinical Nurse Educator of the Year: Korilyn Sicuro
• Nursing School Administrator of the Year: Lisa Broussard
• Nursing Administrator of the Year: Gerald Bryant
• Nursing Educator of the Year: Rosalynn Thyssen
• Contribution to Quality: Sheralyn Long
• Registered Nurse Mentor of the Year: Lesha Bethley
• Rookie of the Year: Trent Williams
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse of the Year: Melissa Nunn
• Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year: Melinda Hunt
• Registered Nurse of the Year: Devin Gamble
• Outstanding Community Achievement by a Registered Nurse: Karen Estela

Honoring the Nursing Profession

“The Nightingale Awards showcase the extraordinary talent and dedication of Louisiana’s nurses,” said 
Coletta C. Barrett DNP, MHA, RN, FACHE. “These honorees represent the best of our profession—
compassionate leaders who are shaping the future of healthcare and improving lives every day.”
The Louisiana Nurses Foundation extends heartfelt congratulations to all honorees and thanks the 
sponsors, healthcare partners, and community members who made this year’s gala a success.
For more information about the Nightingale Awards and the Louisiana Nurses Foundation, visit 
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lnfgala25/ .
Donate Here- https://secure.qgiv.com/for/louisiananursesfoundation
About the Louisiana Nurses Foundation

The Louisiana Nurses Foundation (LNF), established in 1986, advances and supports professional nurses 
in Louisiana through research, education, and recognition. As the philanthropic arm of the Louisiana 
State Nurses Association (LSNA), LNF provides scholarships, professional development opportunities, and 
programs that celebrate nursing excellence statewide