Meet Barbara Brayden, a dedicated supervisor of LPN coordinators at Ochsner Baptist making a difference for patients and her team every day. 💙 This Nurses Week, we celebrate our everyday heroes like Barbara, who leads with compassion, overseeing LPNs and support staff to deliver exceptional patient care. Her role involves managing human resource activities, maintaining positive relationships within the healthcare team and always keeping patients at the heart of her work. "I find purpose every day in my nursing role by demonstrating compassion and service to every patient I meet," Barbara shares. " I also empower my team members to build and develop their nursing skills, which will advance their professional development and help provide excellent care for our patients." Barbara’s nursing story started with a powerful influence. “My grandmother was my biggest influence to become a nurse. She demonstrated caring and compassion to everyone she met. When I was young, my grandmother and I helped care for my great-grandmother in her final years with love, dignity and compassion. I learned a lot about hard work and caring for those you love with compassion. I like to spread this gift and advice to all those I come in contact with.” Barbara’s vision goes beyond the present. “I hope to influence the future of the nursing profession and patient care by guiding new nurses and medical assistants in Ochsner best practices to help shape their confidence, attitudes and skills so they can help inspire the next generation of healthcare team members." Barbara’s advice is simple but powerful: "Life is short. Live it to the fullest with compassion and help others along the way." Thank you, Barbara, for your leadership, compassion and vision. You inspire us all! 💙 You can help empower more nurses like Barbara by supporting their professional growth and development. To learn more about supporting nurses through the Nursing Empowerment Fund, please visit https://ow.ly/lTis50VM1Kq. (fb)

Jada Davis, a registered nurse at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner, knew her purpose from the start. “I wanted to make a difference in others’ lives by having a direct impact in their care,” she said. Now, as part of the medical-surgical unit, she works with patients facing various medical and surgical conditions. For Jada, she finds purpose in her role by providing both care and compassion to her patients and their families. “I want to be a reflection that nursing is more than just passing meds and performing tasks. It’s about showing up for your patients and their families during a vulnerable time to make a positive impact in their care,” she said. The moments Jada cherishes most are those where she’s forged deep, lasting connections with her patients. One memory that stands out for Jada is her care for a patient with pancreatic cancer. “Despite this incredibly hard journey, caring for this patient reminded me why nursing is my true passion. We laughed, danced and shared many meaningful conversations,” Jada said. In the patient’s words, they shared that Jada was both attentive and caring and never once bothered by their shenanigans. They even painted a beautiful photo with Jada’s name and #1 RN. Jada said, “This interaction forever changed me and was a reminder of why I love what I do!” This #NursesWeek, we’re proud to celebrate nurses like Jada who dedicate themselves to providing compassionate care to our patients. 💙 If you are interested in supporting nurses like Jada, please visit our Nursing Empowerment Fund: https://giving.ochsner.org/site/Donation2?1580.donation=form1&df_id=1580&mfc_pref=T&set.SingleDesignee=2262.” (fb)