Several members of the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing leadership team and faculty have been honored with 2020 Nightingale awards sponsored by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation and Louisiana State Nurses Association. The annual awards recognize the achievements of nurses, hospitals and nursing programs across the state in a variety of categories and give special recognition for those who have gone above and beyond in their practice.
Deborah Garbee, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, FCNS, Associate Dean for Professional Practice, Community Service and Advanced Nursing Practice, Professor of Clinical Nursing, and Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Program Director, was named the 2020 Nightingale Nursing School Administrator of the Year. She was selected for her visionary and innovative leadership, personal and organizational commitment to lifelong learning, and participation in professional/community organizations. “The Nightingale Award is an honor because there are so many remarkable leaders in schools of nursing throughout the state who give to students and faculty, which ultimately impacts the health of the community,” Dr. Garbee says. “I am proud to serve the students and faculty. I find joy in seeing students progress and grow in the program into leaders and advanced practitioners and collaborating with faculty to move the School of Nursing forward.”
Linda Ledet, DNS, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, was named the 2020 Nightingale Faculty Educator of the Year. She was honored for her distinguished service as a role model to students and positive impact on the student learning experience, innovation and excellence in education competency and clinical expertise, and participation in professional/community organizations and lifelong learning. “It’s an honor to accept this award and to share my experience and passion for nursing with my students,” Dr. Ledet says.
Benita Chatmon, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, Assistant Dean for Clinical Nursing Education and Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, was named the 2020 Nightingale Registered Nurse Mentor of the Year. She was recognized for her professional commitment to mentoring others in the art and science of nursing, commitment to continuing education and lifelong learning, and participation in professional/community organizations. “The award is an extreme honor because I believe that mentoring is a big part of what I consider my life’s purpose,” Dr. Chatmon says. “Mentoring gives me an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way. I get to pour into another individual to help them transition through unknown territory.”
