When it Comes to Nursing, for NOLA’s Thompsons, it’s All in the Family

Alesia Thompson, 64, a lifelong Louisiana resident, didn’t always want to be a nurse. Quite frankly, her three children Leah, 31, Calvin, 30, and Lauren, 26, hadn’t thought much about the noble profession either when they first went to college. 

But when Alesia couldn’t find her place in her chosen business career more than 30 years ago, she decided to open her eyes to what else might be out there. One day, as she was riding the bus to work, she literally “looked up” and found her calling. In fact, what she saw changed her life and forged a path that eventually her three children would follow. 

Way Back When… 

“I was doing my thing, riding along, and I looked up and saw a sign advertising Charity Hospital School of Nursing,” Alesia recalled. “I immediately felt something inside me say, ‘that’s it!’ I took down the information and, next thing I knew, I was a nursing student.” 

Alesia said she found her new profession by looking up, in more ways than one. She has always found great hope and solace in her love of God. In addition to traveling and spending time with her grandson, she loves being part of her church family at Life Central Cathedral in New Orleans.  

Alesia started out in Charity’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, moved to Mother/Baby and eventually found herself in adult care. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she worked in home healthcare. But a little over 10 years ago, found her way to LCMC Health’s University Medical Center’s (UMC) Neurology Stroke unit, where she is currently the nurse manager. 

“That’s one of the great things about nursing, there are so many avenues to pursue,” Alesia said. “If you get bored with one thing, you can choose another path.” 

Finding Their Way 

Freedom of choice is something she instilled in her three children, who all sought different paths, earning non-healthcare related degrees before finding their rightful place in nursing. She said she couldn’t be happier that all three of her children became nurses.  

“They are really following in my footsteps, and I love it,” Alesia said. “They all had their own ideas when they went to college, but somehow wound up exactly where they belong.” 

Calvin earned a degree in psychology at Louisiana State University (LSU) and wound up parking cars before he turned his attention to nursing. He enrolled in LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing. He took a job working in UMC’s Trauma Intensive Care Unit, where he proudly transitioned to a full-time nursing role after graduating in December 2023. 

“It’s a great feeling when a patient’s family tells you your hard work and attentiveness isn’t going unnoticed,” Calvin said. “What I love most about working in the ICU is the critical thinking and teamwork involved. Every day brings forth challenges and learning opportunities.” 

Leah and Lauren took a slightly different route. They enrolled together in the Called-to-Care Scholars program, a partnership between LCMC Health and Chamberlain University School of Nursing.  

The program is an LCMC-sponsored tuition agreement that covers the cost of up to three years of nursing education for qualified students looking to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN). In exchange, the students agree to work for LCMC Health (for up to three years) upon graduation, after passing the NCLEX nursing exam. 

“I got to go through nursing school— which is no small feat—with my sister, and I’m so grateful for that,” said Lauren, a nurse in West Jefferson’s Medical/Surgical Telemetry unit. “We were able to study, cry, celebrate and even graduate together.” 

In fact, the sisters graduated from Chamberlain in 2024 and are approaching one year of service at West Jefferson in Marrero, La. Leah, an Emergency Room nurse, works at the same hospital. One sister works nights and the other days.  

Lauren said she looks forward to “seeing each other and having small sister chats and giggles” twice a day. “Those moments alone make my days just a little brighter and remind me just how special it is to have her by my side on this journey.” 

Nursing is More Than a Job 

For Leah, nursing is far more than a job. “It’s a calling. What I love most about being a nurse is the connection I get to make with people at some of their most vulnerable moments,” she said. “Whether it's offering a comforting word, a helping hand or just listening when they need someone, those moments remind me why I chose this profession.” 

She added that, for her, nursing equates to the “power of human connection. Nursing is about being there when it matters most—that gives me the sense of purpose and fulfillment I’ve always sought. And, I can’t forget my coworkers; I love them too. They make a tough job so much easier.” 

Lauren loves her colleagues, as well. She has convinced them to shop at the TikTok Shop and make nursing tutorial videos.  

Leah originally thought she would become a doctor and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. At the same time, Lauren started out with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Now, they are both registered nurses (RN) with Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees (BSN).  

Each of the Thompson trio agrees that being on the nursing journey together has made them even closer than ever before. And, they are forever thankful that God put them on the nursing path, allowing them to follow in their mother’s footsteps. 

Pride All Around 

“My mom has been my role model and inspiration since I was a child. A beautiful, incredibly intelligent, strong black woman, she has devoted her life to helping others,” Leah said. “Not only am I truly honored to call her ‘Mom,’ but to know that I’m carrying on her legacy and continuing to impact lives in the same way she does is truly amazing.”  

Calvin added that his mom inspired him and his sisters to be nurses and he treasures the fact that the four of them share an unwavering dedication to the nursing profession. 

“Having all four of us in the family as nurses is amazing—it’s like having a built-in support system that truly understands the highs and lows of the job,” he said.  

Lauren said her sister took the words out of her mouth. “My mother is an incredible nurse and woman. “She is intelligent, strong, compassionate and absolutely beautiful inside and out. I’ve always been proud to be her daughter, and I hope I’m making her proud as well.” 

Indeed, Alesia said, “all three kids amaze me everyday. I am proud of the nurses – and people – they have become.” 

In fact, she said she hears about them in the LCMC system all the time. “The people they work with love them. Their patients love them,” Alesia added. “To see them making it on their own and building great lives makes my heart smile.”  

“It’s such a blessing to have my siblings and mom all in the same profession,” Lauren said. “We are all able to talk about our shared experiences as nurses and it’s reassuring to have those conversations. Let’s be honest, anyone who isn’t a nurse can’t fully understand what our days are like.” 

Leah said the fact that all four of them are nurses together is truly a unique bond. “It’s not something you see every day, and it brings our family even closer,” she said. “It’s amazing knowing we are all working toward the same cause: improving the lives of others.” 

Hearing those words, Alesia said, truly makes her “heart smile” because it means her kids have followed her lead – mind, body and soul. 

“Just like the three of them, I love my work. I love meeting the patients and talking with their families,” Alesia said. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is help others. I have a passion for people. I’m so thankful that circumstances led me, and my children, to find nursing and to dedicate our lives to it.”