We had a great time at Jazz Fest 2025 as the Official Healthcare Provider! Louis Edwards, associate producer of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, shares some of the health, safety and fun Ochsner brought to the festival, including the medical tent, the Ochsner Children's Activity Tent and Eat Fit Ochsner food vendors. It was a celebration of wellness, community and the power of partnership at one of Louisiana’s most iconic events. (fb)

Meet Verline Augustine, an LPN lead for Internal Medicine at Ochsner Center for Primary Care and Wellness in Jefferson, Louisiana, who finds joy in knowing her care makes a difference in people’s lives. “Sometimes, it’s as simple as just listening to the patient,” she said.💙 Verline has been a part of the Ochsner team for over 20 years and started her career at a clinic at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner right after Hurricane Katrina. During this time Valerie said she got to meet many patients from different backgrounds and cultures. “It broadened my perspective, deepened my empathy and helped me provide more inclusive and respectful care to my patient,” she said. “I transferred a year ago to Primary care and Wellness, which I love. This role allows me to keep up my nursing skills while still having the one-on-one relation with my patients. The team has been so warm and welcoming as well.” Verline said she has always had a strong calling to care for people. To her, one of the most important things showing “compassion and support when it matters.” With a desire to want to help others, she hopes to influence the future of the nursing profession and patient care by advocating for patients and ensuring they feel heard and respected. She also hopes that by sharing her knowledge and modeling compassion and professionalism she will help future nurses grow into confident and caring health professionals. When Verline was fresh out of nursing school, she started at a teaching facility, and there, she was able to see, experience and learn thing that shaped her skills and confidence as a nurse, which is something she hopes to pass along to other nurses. This #NursesWeek, we honor the incredible nurses, like Verline, like Verline, who are making a difference every day. Thank you, Verline, for all you do! 💙 To learn more about supporting nurses through the Nursing Empowerment Fund, please visit https://ow.ly/mhKF50VOtHo. (fb)