Southeastern receives numerous Nightingale Award nominations, including best employer

Southeastern Louisiana University has received numerous Nightingale Award nominations from the Louisiana Nurses Foundation, including best employer. The Nightingale Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of nurses, nursing educators, administrators, and healthcare institutions.

“The Nightingale Awards allow us to celebrate the heart of healthcare – our nurses,” said Executive Director of the Louisiana State Nurses Association and the Louisiana Nurses Foundation Debbie Ford. “These individuals and institutions are transforming lives every day, and it is a true honor to recognize their lasting impact.”

The Louisiana Nurses Foundation said this year’s honorees exemplify the strength, compassion, and innovation that define Louisiana’s nursing profession and continue to elevate the standard of care across our communities.

“Southeastern is an incredibly supportive environment for faculty and students,” said College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean Ann Carruth. “We are proud to recognize the university in its role in contributing to the nursing pipeline.”

Southeastern nominations include the following: Allison Kunjappy, Heidi Dubreuil and Luanne Billingsley, Nursing Educator of the Year; Connie Buccere, Registered Nurse Mentor of the Year; Maria Brylski and Rebecca Ingram, Rookie Nursing Educator of the Year; and Lauren Weber, Student Nurse of the Year. Southeastern was also nominated for Nursing School of the Year – Graduate for its DNP program, Nursing School of the Year – Undergraduate, and Outstanding Employer or Facility of the Year.

School of Nursing Department Head Lindsay Domiano said she is incredibly proud of the faculty and the recognition they have received through these nominations.

“Each nomination reflects a faculty member who goes above and beyond to educate, mentor, and inspire the next generation of nurses,” she said. “The recognition of both our BSN and DNP programs alongside these outstanding individuals speaks to the strength of our entire School of Nursing. It is a testament to a culture where collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to student success are shared by every member of our team.”

Graduate Nursing Director Susan Prude said the Nightingale Award nomination is recognition that reflects the people who make the Nursing program special, including faculty, students, alumni, and clinical partners.

“Our faculty genuinely care about our students and are committed to helping them grow into confident, compassionate nurse leaders,” she said. “In return, our students inspire us every day with their dedication, resilience, and desire to make a difference in the lives of their patients and communities. I’m incredibly proud of our DNP program, and it is gratifying to see those efforts recognized.”

The 2026 Nightingale Award Ceremony is scheduled Aug. 22, in Baton Rouge, when the award winners will be announced. The annual event celebrates excellence in nursing across the state of Louisiana.