National Nurses Week Recognized in Ascension Parish

Staff Writer

Gonzales Weekly Citizen

L to R: Parish President Kenny Matassa, Caroline Conerly, Tammy O’Connor, Jennifer Sing, Councilwoman Teri Casso, Yvonne Pellerin, Charla Johnson, Tamika Westbrook, Christine Hitzman (front), Laeisha Barnes, Staci Berry and Kathy Achee. Back row, left to right: Councilman Oliver Joseph, Councilman Bill Dawson, Councilman Daniel “Doc” Satterlee, Councilman Dempsey Lambert, Council Chairman Randy Clouatre, Councilman Todd Lambert, Councilman Travis Turner, Council Aaron Lawler, Councilman Benny Johnson and Councilman John Cagnolatti.

Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa proclaimed May 6 to May 12, 2016 as National Nurses Week in Ascension Parish.

Matassa presented the proclamation to healthcare professionals from St. Elizabeth Hospital attending the May 5 Parish Council meeting in Donaldsonville. Yvonne Pellerin, vice president of Patient Care at St. Elizabeth Hospital, said this year’s theme is The Culture of Safety, It Begins With You.

“I think it’s particularly relevant with the things that we are hearing nationally, especially as we try to protect our healthcare workers,” Pellerin said. “Ascension Parish nurses, while privileged to serve and provide care in our community, they need to do it in a safe manner.”

Pellerin said St. Elizabeth partners with the Gonzales Police Department and the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office to provide for a safe work environment for their patients and healthcare workers.