Wayne Plaisance, President and CEO
Notre Dame Health System
1000 Howard Ave, 10th Floor, New Orleans
(504) 866-2741
NotreDameHealth.org
As President/CEO of Notre Dame Health System, Wayne Plaisance feels privileged to provide true, not-for-profit leadership motivated by a mission of service to the community.
“I was told by a very wise person, ‘Find something you are passionate about and you will never work a day in your life,’” says Plaisance. “For me, that’s working in a faith-based environment that empowers people to seek healthcare in a setting that’s right for them,” he says.
With in-home care and three residential communities, Notre Dame Health System’s services are carefully tailored to promote the health of individuals whether they choose to remain in the home with private duty, Medicaid waiver services, home health, or hospice or move into a retirement community that provides independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing services. According to Plaisance, some or all of these options may be the right solution depending on a person’s medical condition and informal caregiver support.
“While healthcare is filled with challenges and risk, it’s also a time of great opportunity,” says Plaisance, who keeps his eye on the future. Recognizing that healthcare is a ministry where size and diversity matter, Notre Dame remains prepared for changes in healthcare by offering a continuum of care.
“When Archbishop Gregory Aymond returned to New Orleans, he challenged us to be bold in our thinking as we planned for the future, and we are,” says Plaisance. “We strive to be an employer of choice, seeking to offer growth opportunities for our team members and create a patient-focused culture.
To that end, Notre Dame Health Systems is excited to work in collaboration with Louisiana Department of Health and Delgado Community College to pilot a Medication Pass Aide Certification in its three nursing homes. This represents an important response to the community’s nursing shortage and Notre Dame’s commitment to support its staff with a career ladder that improves their ability to provide for their families.
Additionally, Notre Dame Health Systems seeks to bring solutions to its acute care partners and managed care partners that benefit both patient and payer source. The organization recently completed its strategic plan with the support of its Board of Directors.
“I feel very fortunate to have a Board that understands the complexity of healthcare,” says Plaisance. He credits Dr. Jack Andonie, the Board Chair, for making it possible for Notre Dame Health System to grow as a post-acute care provider.
