HJNO Jul/Aug 2022

34 JUL / AUG 2022  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS   Healthcare Briefs LSUHealth NewOrleans Nursing School Ranked # 10 in U.S. Nursing Schools Almanac has just released its 2022 rankings of the best U.S. nursing schools. LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing is ranked the #10 nursing school in the U.S. and the #5 nursing school among public nursing schools. Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on 3,000 nursing schools and campuses nationwide, and only three perecent made its list of the 100 best nursing schools in the nation. Schools were assessed on the following criteria: 1. The institution’s academic prestige and per- ceived value. Qualitative measures included graduates’ ability to repay their student loans in a timely manner; professional des- ignations such as National League for Nurs- ing Center of Excellence; grant funding for nursing research from the National Insti- tutes of Health; and the number of years in operation, particularly at the graduate nurs- ing education level. 2. The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered, including the full range and size of undergraduate and graduate nursing pro- grams offered by each school, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates. 3. Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination, especially first-time pass rates, as well as APRN certification tests administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Acad- emy of Nurse Practitioners, and similar organizations. LCMCHealth on Becker’s Hospital Review 150 Top Places toWork in Healthcare List LCMC Health was recognized by Becker’s Hos- pital Review as one of the “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare.” The annual list highlights hospitals, health systems, and healthcare com- panies that promote diversity within the work- force, employee engagement, and professional growth. LCMC Health is the only healthcare sys- tem in Louisiana to be named to this list. “LCMC Health is honored to be recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as a top place to work in healthcare,” said Greg Feirn, CEO, LCMC Health. “We are committed to cultivating an inclusive environment where we treat people like family, providing exceptional care to our extraordinary community. This special recognition celebrates everything that we stand for – we are humbled to join such exemplary list of industry leaders.” Becker’s Healthcare Review developed the list of organizations after reviewing benefits and opportunities for employees to build successful careers above and beyond the average health- care provider or company. The list created also took community impact into consideration, rec- ognizing organizations with a mission of vol- unteerism and giving back. Additionally, the organizations identified as top places to work encourage professional development and pro- mote leadership from within. To learn more about LCMC Health’s six hospi- tals, visit www.lcmchealth.org/careers/. Coretta LaGarde is New Executive Director for AHA NewOrleans The American Heart Association announced that Coretta LaGarde is the new executive direc- tor in New Orleans. In this role, LaGarde is responsible for driving the strategy and execu- tion of corporate revenue, communications, and health impact goals for the Greater New Orleans market advancing health equity. Over the past year, LaGarde has led EmPOW- ERED to Serve by providing strategic program oversight, engagement, and collaboration leader- ship, and technical expertise to ensure the imple- mentation of health equity solutions. EmPOW- ERED to Serve is a platform inspired by American Heart Association volunteers around the country who are passionate about driving change through health justice and empowerment in their com- munities. Under LaGarde’s leadership, through EmPOWERED to Serve, the American Heart Association has found opportunities to close disparity gaps in New Orleans and the country by growing the number of social entrepreneurs, strategic partners and community coalitions trained through the Business Accelerator; increas- ing investments in community-led solutions to address health inequities in under-resourced communities across the country; and prioritizing health literacy by working to inform, educate, and empower communities through health edu- cation and community advocacy. The direction of EmPOWERED to Serve has sparked interest from new partners and continued engagement with strategic alliances, ambassadors, and schol- ars through opportunities to share their stories. With 18 years of experience in nonprofit and corporate engagement, 11 of which have been with the American Heart Association, Coretta’s people-management journey paired with perfor- mance leadership at the Regional and National levels. Her most recent accomplishments include: an American Heart Association national Pillar Award in 2019, the American Heart Association Southeast Region Community Impact Collabo- ration Award in 2020, and the Jefferson Cham- ber Chairman’s Award in 2021. Coretta is the treasurer of the board of direc- tors for the New Orleans Council on Aging, chair of the Health & Wellness Committee/executive board member at the Jefferson Chamber, and active on several health-related commissions and coalitions throughout Louisiana. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the New Orleans market’s work for the American Heart Association. While we’ve had many gains, the work is far from done. I’m looking forward to banning together with the volunteers, sponsors, staff and community to ensure equitable access to healthy living options for all and to ultimately make a positive impact on the health and well- being of our neighbors so that we have a healthy New Orleans,” said LaGarde. She is a graduate of the University of New Orleans with a Master of Public Administration, and Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Cardiovascular Institute of the South is Named a Best Place toWork in Healthcare Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) has been selected by Modern Healthcare as one of the 2022 Best Places to Work in Healthcare, earn- ing this title for the third year in a row. This award program identifies and recognizes outstanding employers in the healthcare indus- try nationwide. Modern Healthcare partners with the Best Companies Group on the assessment process, which includes an extensive employee