Jackie Harbour

Jackie Harbour was born on April 22, 1955, in Opelousas. She graduated from Port Barre High School in 1973 and earned her Registered Nurse Degree in 1975 from Our Lady of the Lake Nursing School in Baton Rouge.

Jackie’s career at Opelousas General began two weeks after earning her degree. Her initial steps in the Medical Surgical Unit set the stage for a career that spanned over 45 years, a remarkable testament to her enduring commitment to the field of nursing.

Shortly after working in the Medical Surgical Unit, Jackie transitioned to the hospital’s first Intensive Care Unit in March of 1976. A trailblazer in her own right, she proudly recounts being among the first nurses to open the doors of the unit. She soon assumed the title of head nurse and was instrumental in the expansion of the Intensive Care Unit when it moved to Medical Complex North in 1998.

In 2006, OGHS’s decision to expand ICU beds marked the beginning of a new chapter for Jackie, as she lent her expertise to the development of a cutting-edge advanced ICU. She was a part of every aspect of its inception, from design to the meticulous selection of critical monitoring equipment. In addition to the advancement of Cath Lab services, OGHS saw the addition of six 1CU beds, two Cath Labs, thirteen CVSS beds and an expanded Telemetry service.

In addition to stepping into the leadership role of the Progressive Care Unit, Jackie eventually assumed the role of Critical Care Director over four units, serving as a vital liaison for the Cardiac Cath Lab, Daisy Award and LOPA Coordinator. A passionate advocate for nursing excellence, Jackie thrived when caring for critically ill patients and educating and motivating staff to elevate their skills and certifications. As an ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), BLS (Basic Life Support), and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) instructor, she, along with the education department, built a strong, highly trained nursing team.

Certified in Critical Care Nursing (CCRN) for 36 years, Jackie stood as a model of unwavering expertise. A proud member of the American Heart Association and Association of Critical Care Nurses, her commitment to excellence never wavered.

During the last few years of her career, Jackie worked to improve critical care equipment for OGHS including the purchase of new patient beds, stretchers, defibrillators and furniture as the Clinical Initiative Nurse Coordinator.

Throughout her career, Jackie earned several awards, such as OGHS Department Manager of the Year, the Above and Beyond Award, the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency Commitment to Donation Award, the Nursing “Service Above Self Award” from the Sunrise Rotary Club of Opelousas, and the coveted OGHS RN of the Year. Jackie says, “Surrounding yourself with people better than you, has always been the key to my successful career”.

Alongside her loving husband William Braxton Harbour, Jr. “Bill,” she raised a beautiful family of four children: Sammye (Derek), Trey (Bliss), Chance (Anna), and Jared (Kristy), Jackie and Bill also have 6 grandchildren: Vaida, Rowan, Luke, Reid, Claire and Jolie.

Today Jackie continues to embody the spirit of service as a cherished member of the Catholic Daughters of American and the Ladies Altar Society of St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas. Her role as a Eucharistic minister is a testament to her enduring commitment to faith and community.

In essence, Jackie Harbour’s biography is a narrative of her resilience, dedication and a passion for elevating healthcare at Opelousas General Health System to unparalleled heights. Her impact is truly everlasting.