EJGH's Joseph Eppling named Nurse of the Year by the Louisiana State Nurses Association

Joseph Eppling, RN, received Nurse of the Year honors from the Louisiana State Nurses Association during their 7th Annual Nightingale Awards Ceremony. Eppling, East Jefferson General Hospital’s Director of Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Services, earned this honor through his clinical excellence, dedication to his patients and his overall commitment to the nursing profession.

Mr. Eppling has over 20 years experience in nursing. One of his greatest strengths is his continued pursuit of education to improve his skills and the lives he touches on a daily basis. In addition to being a registered nurse, he also holds a bachelor and master of nursing, is a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse, and is a Certified Nursing Administration Advanced, Board Certified.

“I am very honored and humbled to have been even nominated for, much less selected, Nurse of the Year,” says Eppling. “It was unbelievable to listen to all the accomplishments made by fellow nurses throughout the state. The great part of being a nurse is that you become part of a unified team of professionals all with one common goal - to serve and heal our patients the best way we can.”

Specializing in the area of mental health, Eppling has emerged as a leader in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Mental health services were severely limited prior to Hurricane Katrina, but the lack of services has become a medical crisis in the years since. As many healthcare professionals left the area, Eppling has become even more determined to make a positive difference for those needing emotional assistance.

“East Jefferson General Hospital and the entire community should feel fortunate that Joe remained in the area and that he is such a gifted leader and clinician,” says Janice Kishner, RN, EJGH Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nurse Executive. “The void in mental health services is perhaps the greatest challenge our area faces. Joe has been steadfast in his desire to help people. He is most deserving of Nurse of the Year honors and we are proud to have him.”