More than a dozen employees at long-term care facilities throughout Louisiana were recently honored for their efforts to further their professional careers in the long-term care industry. 

The Louisiana Long Term Care Foundation awarded nursing scholarships to 15 people who work at facilities across the state while also being enrolled in nursing school. The scholarship recipients are: 

  • Shateela Benjamin, Belle Teche Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, New Iberia
  • Kristle Cary, Natchitoches Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Natchitoches
  • Hillary Chenevert, Riviere De Soleil Community Care Center, Mansura
  • Jennifer Daniels, Plantation Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Winnsboro
  • Tracey Gosey, Natchitoches Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Natchitoches
  • Tavia Grant, Heritage Nursing Center, Haynesville
  • Tammy King, Southern Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Shreveport
  • Dermeisha LeBranche, Chateau Living Center, Kenner
  • Jonathan Lee, Belle Teche Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, New Iberia
  • Sarah Meshell, Garden Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Shreveport
  • Kambri Phillips, Bernice Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Bernice
  • Lisa Scott, Many Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Many
  • Tabitha Unbehagen, Greenbriar Community Care Center, Slidell
  • Melissa Walker, Landmark Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, West Monroe
  • Akeya Williams, Affinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Baton Rouge

“The need for quality nursing staff in Louisiana’s long-term care facilities is more critical than ever due to the ongoing nationwide nursing shortage,” said Karen Miller, director of the Louisiana Long Term Care Foundation. “These nursing scholarships help encourage and support healthcare workers of high-academic and caregiving caliber to continue their education and pursue a rewarding, lasting nursing career.”

The annual scholarship is designed to honor outstanding nursing facility staff members making an effort to further their professional development in long-term care. The recipients were honored during a ceremony Dec. 11. 

The program is funded through the Louisiana Nursing Home Association and other related organizations. 

“Each long-term care professional selected for this nursing scholarship is passionate about providing the highest quality care to Louisiana’s most vulnerable,” said Mark Berger, Louisiana Nursing Home Association executive director. “It is an honor to play a role in providing financial support to empower and advance a new generation of leaders in the long-term care profession.”