Community Leader

JOHN NICKENS

CEO, Children’s Hospital New Orleans

Now is the time to transform how we provide healthcare for our kids. The consistent ranking of our state as one of the worst in child health outcomes does not match the rich culture and passion of the people of Louisiana”

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

With so many different diseases, epidemics, and medical issues plaguing the nation, healthcare is a challenging field. And to be the president and CEO of a hospital—any hospital, for that matter— takes a great deal of dedication, foresight, diplomacy, and understanding. But the need for those characteristics come even more into play for the president and CEO of a children’s hospital. Luckily for Children’s Hospital New Orleans, the man bearing those titles meets those demands and then some, using his position and deep knowledge of the healthcare industry to serve the needs of the children of Louisiana in the best way possible.

With more than 25 years of pediatric healthcare experience under his belt, when

John Nickens took on his current role at Children’s Hospital New Orleans in 2017, the former Executive Vice President at Texas Children’s Hospital brought with him a particular understanding of children’s health and the challenges it faces. He also brought with him a passion that has been the impetus for his success and his continued dedication to his work. “As a father to three girls, I have always been motivated by the idea that I could impact the health of the next generation,” Nickens says. “I see the impact of our care firsthand every day, and that is what motivates me. We are making a lifechanging difference for the children and families under our care, and there is nothing more meaningful.”

Naturally, his reputation for getting things done precedes him, and Nickens is more than living up to expectation. Since coming to New Orleans, he has made remarkable changes to Children’s Hospital, creating an incredible culture for the hospital’s team members, expanding access to vital pediatric services across the entire state, launching the hospital’s first electronic medical record, completing the hospital's $300 million campus expansion project, recruiting top pediatric experts in the country, and creating a new academic partnership with Tulane University School of Medicine, in addition to the hospital's longstanding affiliation with LSU Health New Orleans..

Naturally, the challenges of the last two years have been tough to overcome, but Nickens has led Children’s Hospital with a steady hand. “It is incredible to reflect on the last two years and all that we have accomplished for the children and families of Louisiana despite the unforeseen challenges that came our way,” he says. “Our team is resilient and has an unwavering commitment to serve all children. Often, that has meant sacrificing time with their own families to continue to stand in the gap for the children and families who depend on us. While navigating an unprecedented time with the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ida, and surges of RSV and COVID-19, coupled with staffing challenges, we completed the $300 million expansion of our New Orleans campus while recruiting some of

the best pediatric providers in the nation, expanding vital programs, and growing our satellite clinics across the state and region to improve access to specialized pediatric care close to home for families.”

Even as he stands toe-to-toe with some formidable obstacles, Nickens keeps his focus on the future of Children’s Hospital. “While continuing to expand specialized pediatric programs and recruit top talent to change the dynamics of pediatric healthcare for Louisiana and the Gulf South in our hospital and clinics, we are also focused on meeting kids and families where they are,” he says. “With innovative community-based programs like our ThriveKids student wellness program, we are bringing health services directly to kids in schools to support best possible health and academic outcomes. We have also added programs like our Trauma and Grief Center, with a focus on meeting the significant mental and behavioral health needs of children and families across our community.”

Clearly, the man has a passion for children and ensuring they receive one high standard of care, and he’s made that passion a great motivator for getting things done. “Children’s Hospital is uniquely positioned to eliminate fragmentation and bring together the best of the best in pediatric healthcare to challenge the status quo,” says Nickens, who also serves on the boards of the Audubon Institute, Louisiana Children’s Museum, and Baylor University as in addition to overseeing pediatric services across the LCMC Health system. “Now is the time to transform how we provide healthcare for our kids. The consistent ranking of our state as one of the worst in child health outcomes does not match the rich culture and passion of the people of Louisiana. At Children’s Hospital New Orleans, we are motivated by our vision to build a healthier, happier future for all kids - right now. Parents often wonder when to bring their child to see a Dentist for the 1st time. Your child should visit the pediatric dentist by his/her 1st birthday. Trust Your Little Ones With Us!

WHAT SETS US APART

We have a practice that creates a safe, fun, and rewarding atmosphere for both children and their parents. It is our mission to treat each child as if they were our own, to deliver the highest quality dental care, to introduce dentistry to children in a fun and entertaining environment, and to emphasize preventative dentistry that will last a lifetime!

A FUN ATMOSPHERE

While your child is waiting to be seen, they will be able to quickly find their way to the gaming area. They will also have the option of watching a movie as we stream from Netflix and Disney+. As a new patient, your child will receive their very own t-shirt and to complete their visit with a smile, they will get to choose a special prize from our prize drawer.

A COMPLETE EXPERIENCE

Our staff is knowledgeable and understanding when dealing with the children and their parents. We understand that the children may be uneasy, so our staff gets on their level to reassure their safety and gain their trust. Rest assured that, as the parents, you can ask any questions that may arise. We guarantee that we will do our very best to assist you and be able to provide you with a proper response.

(985) 892-5942 toddbrasuelldds.com

189 Greenbriar Blvd Suite A, Covington

SAINT PAUL’S SummerCamps2022

THEATER CAMPS STEM CAMP SPORTS CAMPS

Ages 9 - 13 Boys and Girls | Fee $170 (includes t-shirt)

Drama Camp: June 6-10, 9AM-1:00PM Camp enrollment is limited and no experience is needed to participate. Instruction by Marian Players Director Gordon Carmadelle. Join us for some fun!

Musical Camp: June 13-17, 9AM-1:00PM (includes t-shirt) Camp enrollment is limited and no experience is needed to participate. Instruction by Marian Players Director Gordon Carmadelle and co-directed by Musical Director Jonathan Sturken. Join us for some fun! Entering Grades 4th - 6th Boys & Girls Fee: $160 (includes t-shirt and snacks)

June 6-10, 9AM-12PM

Students will use the principles of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to learn about different approaches to solving problems, using real-world project-based learning and team-building skills. Space is limited Boys Ages 8-14 | Fee $220

Baseball: June 6 - 10 Football: June 13 - 17 Basketball: June 20 - 24 Soccer: June 27 - July 1 Powerlifting: June 27 - July 1 Speed, Agility, Strength: July 11 - 15 Wrestling: July 18 - 22 Lacrosse: July 18 - 22 Rugby: July 18 - 22

For more information, contact Gordon Carmadelle at g.carmadelle@stpauls.com For more information, contact Julie Beck at j.beck@stpauls.com

SPECIALTY SPORTS CAMPS

Football - Offensive Line/Defensive Line:

June 9 - 11 Boys Ages 8-14 | Fee $220

Football - Evaluation Camp:

July 14 Boys Ages 8-14 | Fee $40

Contact: sportscamps@stpauls.com or (985)778-9166

REGISTRATION FOR ALL SAINT PAUL’S SUMMER CAMPS: www.stpauls.com/student-life/summer-camp

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