School of Nursing Graduate Patricia Johnson Honored in Louisiana

Patricia Johnson

A 1974 graduate of the Mississippi College School of Nursing, Patricia Johnson was recently recognized as one of the 100 Great Nurses of Louisiana.

This is the 24^th year of the statewide honor. The award recognizes outstanding nurses for their successes in a demanding profession. Honorees are selected by their peers and patients based on their contributions to the community and nursing profession.

Johnson serves as senior vice president of nursing and chief nursing executive at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. She joined Woman’s Hospital in 1997.

“Her dedication helps ensure that every day our patients receive outstanding individualized patient care,” said Teri Fontenot, the hospital’s president and CEO. “We are extremely proud of Tricia and this outstanding recognition.”

Johnson began her nursing career at Veteran’s Hospital in Jackson. She received her master’s degree in nursing administration at the Emory University School of Nursing in Atlanta in 1987. Johnson also worked at the Emory University Hospital.

In Baton Rouge, the MC graduate is active in the Baton Rouge Symphony League, the American Heart Association and Habitat for Humanity.

“Patricia’s career includes a variety of employment opportunities and she has served the profession well,” said MC School of Nursing Dean Mary Jean Padgett. “She is actively involved in professional organizations and in service activities in the Baton Rouge area. She is indeed one of Mississippi College’s outstanding alumni.”

Padgett knew Johnson, who’s married to 1973 MC graduate Fred Johnson, when she was Patricia Rose on the Clinton campus. Padgett graduated in the first class of the MC School of Nursing in 1973 and Johnson followed one year later.

The Mississippi College School of Nursing honored Johnson as one of its outstanding graduates in 2004.