Bernitha Russell-Wilson Named Nursing Director of Lane Rehabilitation Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Thursday, October 2, 2025

ZACHARY, LA – Greater Pointe Coupee Chamber Member, Lane Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the appointment of Bernitha Russell-Wilson, BSN, RN-BC, as Nursing Director of the Lane Rehabilitation Center.

This new role marks a meaningful return to her roots—Bernitha began her nursing career at Lane in inpatient rehabilitation, where she worked for several years early on. It was there she discovered her passion for rehabilitative care, making this appointment both a professionaladvancement and a personal homecoming.

Since July 2022, Bernitha has served as Director of Lane’s Medical/Surgical and Telemetry Units, where she has led with distinction—enhancing patient care, improving staff engagement, and upholding the highest standards of clinical excellence. With more than 20 years of nursing leadership experience across a variety of healthcare settings, she brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and professionalism to her new role.

As Nursing Director of the Lane Rehabilitation Center, Bernitha will oversee all aspects of

inpatient rehabilitative care, focusing on quality outcomes, patient satisfaction, team

collaboration, and operational performance. “Bernitha has been an exceptional leader within our nursing team. Her dedication to patient-centered care, staff development, and clinical excellence makes her well-suited to serve as

Nursing Director of the Lane Rehabilitation Center,” said Staci Sullivan, MSN, APRN-BC, Chief Nursing Officer at Lane Regional Medical Center. “We are confident she will bring the same level of commitment and leadership to this role as she has throughout her time at Lane.” Bernitha earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern University School of Nursingin Baton Rouge and holds national certifications in both Medical/Surgical and Ambulatory Care Nursing. She is an active member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and Louisiana Volunteers in Action (LAVA). Prior to joining Lane, she served as a Nurse Manager with the Veterans Health Administration.

“I am honored to take on this new role and continue serving the community I call home,” says Bernitha. “Rehabilitation has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to return to where my nursing journey began—working alongside an incredible team to support our patients

every step of the way.” Originally from St. Francisville, Bernitha and her husband, Karl, live in Zachary. They enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on their favorite football teams. They have three adult children who live in Texas and New York.

About Lane Regional Medical Center

Lane Regional Medical Center is a 131-bed regional healthcare system serving more than

200,000 residents in Zachary and surrounding communities. Founded in 1960, Lane has grown into the area’s leading provider of comprehensive medical services, including cardiology, oncology, OB/GYN, orthopedics, pediatrics, surgery, wound care, rehabilitation, and emergency and urgent care. The hospital also offers outpatient therapies, home health services, and operates a convenient retail pharmacy, Lane Rx.

With over 850 team members, Lane is the largest employer in Zachary and continues to invest in advanced technology, physician recruitment, and expanded services to meet community needs. Lane’s mission is to deliver exceptional healthcare to every patient, every time. Core values include Quality, Service, Stewardship, Teamwork, and Innovation.

Visit lanermc.org or follow @lanermc on Facebook.