News Summary
Lake Charles, Louisiana, witnesses significant leadership changes in healthcare and education. Dr. Amelia Washington and Jennifer Barrow take key positions at McNeese State University, while Monte Wilson and Jana Taylor step up in local healthcare facilities. The community strengthens with new physicians joining the Lake Charles Memorial Health System, and Rosewood Nursing Home earns national recognition as ‘Community of the Year.’ These developments aim to enhance nursing education and healthcare services, benefiting the local population.
Lake Charles, Louisiana – New Leadership Appointments in Healthcare and Education
McNeese State University and local healthcare organizations have announced significant new appointments and awards that promise to enhance nursing education and healthcare services in the area. Dr. Amelia Washington has been appointed as the new head of the undergraduate nursing department at McNeese State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. Jennifer Barrow has been named the program coordinator for the undergraduate nursing program, bringing valuable experience and insight to the role.
Dr. Washington, previously the assistant department head, has a strong focus on student advising, recruitment, retention, and curriculum development. She has introduced initiatives such as Nursing Q&A and Student Appreciation Week, which have significantly promoted student engagement within the program. Washington holds over nine years of clinical nursing experience across various fields including neonatal intensive care, maternal health, and medical-surgical nursing. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Grand Canyon University.
Barrow, now overseeing the undergraduate nursing program, is a tenured associate professor with over a decade of experience in nursing education and curriculum development. She possesses a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in healthcare education and has completed extensive doctoral coursework at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her research focus on student-professional role transition and impostor syndrome aligns with her goal of preparing McNeese senior nursing students for clinical practice, ensuring quality program outcomes and enhancing student learning experiences through her expertise in online education and evidence-based practice.
In other local healthcare leadership changes, Monte Wilson, CEO of Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, will expand his role to oversee Christus Ochsner Southwestern Louisiana. Wilson’s track record includes the successful leadership of programs in cardiovascular services, OB/GYN, oncology, and outpatient infusions. His experience at WellStar Health System in Georgia has emphasized team building and patient care improvements, making him a valuable asset to the region. He is also actively involved with local organizations such as the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Louisiana Hospital Association.
Additionally, Jana Taylor has been promoted to cardiology manager at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH). A graduate of McNeese State University, Taylor carries over 23 years of experience in cardiology nursing, with 17 years spent at WCCH. In her new role, she will manage daily operations and support clinical staff to enhance cardiovascular services, continuing to make positive contributions to patient care.
Further strengthening the local medical community, Dr. Patrick W. Griffith has joined Lake Charles Memorial Health System as a board-certified internal medicine physician, while Dr. Clayton Maraist has joined as an obstetrics and gynecology physician. Griffith completed his undergraduate education at McNeese State University and earned his medical degree from LSU Medical Center – Shreveport. He will see patients at the newly titled Memorial Internal Medicine—Jennings clinic. Maraist also holds a medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport and previously practiced in the Lafayette area.
In the business sector, Alvin Touchet is marking 15 years of service with AdSource Outdoor, Louisiana’s largest independent billboard operator. His role has been critical to the company’s sales growth and client relations, underscoring the importance of dedicated service in business development.
Moreover, Rosewood Nursing Home has been honored as “Community of the Year” by Tutera Senior Living, recognizing its exceptional service among 86 nursing homes nationally. This award reflects Rosewood’s positive work culture and commitment to employee and resident satisfaction, highlighting the essential role of quality care in the community.
These recent appointments and awards underscore a commitment to enhance healthcare delivery and nursing education in the Lake Charles area, paving the way for improved outcomes in both sectors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- WGN TV: Officers Cleared in Fatal Shooting at St. Charles Nursing Home
- CBS News: St. Charles Police Shooting Incident
- KPLC: McNeese Nurse Practitioner Program Ranked Second in State
- Wikipedia: Nursing in the United States
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- Google Scholar: Nursing Education Louisiana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
- Google News: Lake Charles Nursing Home
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