Published in The Times-Picayune
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Link to original article

As he stepped to the podium at the Louisiana State Nurses Association's annual gala in Baton Rouge, Joe Eppling admits being overwhelmed.

"I was really dumbfounded," Eppling said. "It was a very humbling experience."

Earlier this year, Eppling received the group's Nightingale Award, naming him as the state's nurse of the year.

A nurse at East Jefferson General Hospital for two decades, Eppling has worked in several departments including rehabilitation, occupational medicine, telemetry, emergency room and outpatient. And for the past five years, Eppling, 44, has been the director of psychiatric and behavioral services for the Metairie hospital.

He was nominated for the nurse of the year award by Bernie Cullen, vice president of nursing for acute and post acute services at East Jefferson.

"After Katrina, Joe made the decision to stay in this area and rebuild his life as well as the community," Cullen said. "He has become a community leader in mental health services. Joe is also a striking example of a true patient advocate. He is patient and kind to his patients, their families and our staff."

The criteria used by the Louisiana State Nurses Association to select the nurse of the year include a compassion for people, the ability to make an impact on local and statewide health care, participation in community and professional nursing organizations and an interest in mentoring other people.

Eppling lives in Luling but grew up in Metairie. He has a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a master's in nursing. He also has a master of science degree in health services administration.

"I didn't know what I wanted to do at first," Eppling said. "I thought about teaching or pre-medicine. My mother and grandmother were both nurses, and I had always had an interest in nursing."

Paula Kensler, vice president of nursing emergency services at East Jefferson, said Eppling is considered an expert by his peers and the agencies involved in caring for patients with mental illnesses.

"Joe has taken psychiatric services to the next level in providing quality care in mental health service in these challenging times," Kensler said. "The support that Joe and the psychiatric nurses provide our patients, nurses and physicians in the emergency department at East Jefferson General Hospital have assisted us with providing appropriate and timely care."

Mattie Hobley, director of oncology at East Jefferson, said she has been impressed with the way Eppling mentors people.

"Joe empowers and mentors his managers, always encouraging them to grow and advance in their careers," Hobley said. "He is very committed to people, and this is evident in his actions."

Christine Rovira is a registered nurse. She is one of those Eppling has mentored.

"Joe has not only been a great mentor but also a great friend," Rovira said. "He is always willing to help me improve my leadership abilities."

As a nurse, Eppling said his greatest reward has always come from seeing his patients make progress and improve.

"The most rewarding thing about being a nurse is seeing people get well and being able to walk out of the building," Eppling said. "I was honored to just be nominated for the award."