Avignon Dumas, LPN, has been part of the team at Our Lady of the Lake Health for more than 15 years, starting as a medical assistant and now working as a licensed practical nurse.
Her career path has been a testament to the health system’s supportive culture, which values teamwork, growth and compassion.
“Teamwork plays a big part for me — working together to reach the goal,” Avignon says. “That’s what attracted me to the Lake in the first place.”
embracing growth and opportunity
For most of her career, Avignon worked as a medical assistant, but in early 2023 her role shifted when she graduated from an accelerated LPN program offered through Our Lady of the Lake at Baton Rouge Community College. The course was completed in 12 months.
“The program was a blessing. I could balance work, school and family life because of the support from my mother, family, friends and the ministry,” Avignon says. “They made it realistic for me to work and go to school — something that’s usually hard to do.”
Our health system not only provided financial assistance toward her degree program but also created an environment that allowed Avignon to thrive in the classroom and on the job.
Avignon says one of the proudest moments in her career is being selected for the LPN program. Out of a large pool of applicants, she was one of the first chosen for the accelerated class.
“It was a big deal for me to be selected,” she says. “Meeting great people along the way and receiving support was amazing.”
supporting her clinic’s success
Now a licensed practical nurse, Avignon finds herself better able to support her manager, ensuring their clinic runs smoothly and efficiently.
“I’ve stepped into more responsibility,” Avignon says. “It’s about making sure the clinic runs fluently and our patients are cared for.”
Having worked in pulmonary, ENT and GI clinics, Avignon enjoys the unique experiences each day brings. Her role involves not only providing medical care but also connecting with patients on a deeper level, offering them comfort and a listening ear.
“You don’t always know why someone’s coming in for an office visit, meaning it can be deeper than what you see but showing compassion is important,” Avignon says. “We’re all human, and sometimes patients just need someone to talk to.”
