From Perseverance to Purpose: Delgado Nursing Graduate Keisha Tilton Shares Her Journey of Resilience and Support

April 01, 2026

Keisha Tilton, a New Orleans native, wife, and mother of three, recently graduated from Delgado’s Registered Nursing (RN) program, marking her third degree from college. “I graduated from Delgado three times—2010, 2024, and again in 2025,” she said proudly. Her journey included earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification, a general studies degree, and most recently, her RN credentials. 

Tilton’s path to nursing was deeply personal. She’s a mother who has three children with special needs, including one son who is on the autism spectrum. She wanted to better understand how to support him and started her journey at Delgado. “I took a chance on Delgado. I was eager to learn more, and it led me here,” she said. Balancing school, work, and parenting wasn’t easy. She worked at Ochsner, first as a Patient Care Technician, then as an LPN, and eventually full-time during her RN program—while raising children now aged 22, 19, and 13. 

Midway through the nursing program, her house caught on fire, creating a major obstacle during an already demanding time. But Delgado stepped in. “The school of nursing gave me a scholarship. Delgado provided a loaner laptop and hotspot,” she shared. Tilton also received financial aid and a COVID relief scholarship. Classmates donated, started GoFundMe, and even shared textbooks. “The Delgado bookstore wrote off the books for me. Everyone at the school really, really came through,” she said. Her husband Leon Tilton, a Delgado police officer, also received support from the campus police. 

Before the fire Tilton was awarded financial aid through the Ochsner Scholars Scholarship. “It played a major role in helping me cover school tuition, uniforms, and other essentials”, said Tilton.  

Tilton credits her success to the support system she found at Delgado. Dr. Nora Steele was her success coach, and she also worked closely with instructors like:  Elizabeth Wolff, nursing instructor; Shena Sanders, Level III instructor; Dr. C. Wiggins, former Level IV instructor; and Wendy Garretson, Level IV instructor.  

“The instructors make sure you know your stuff backwards and forwards. They push you to jump in and really learn,” she said.  

“The program is challenging, but they’re very hands-on. Once you graduate, you will get a job and be prepared,” Tilton shares. She also highlighted the economic benefits of attending a community college, which offers high-level training over a condensed period of time. ” You get the training and education you need. You don’t have to be in debt.”  

A scripture that guided Tilton through her journey was Philippians 4:13,I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. “The truth is, if God had not led the right people into my life to help me, I wouldn’t have made it. For that, I’m truly thankful”, she said.  

Now a staff clinic nurse in medical oncology at Ochsner’s Tom Benson Cancer Center, and a MedSurg weekend nurse, Keisha is living her dream. For those considering Delgado’s nursing program, her advice is simple: “Be prepared to cry happy tears when you get accepted, sad tears and frustration during the program, but happy tears again once you graduate.” 

Tilton was recently nominated for DAISY Award – an international award that recognizes nurses who go above and beyond.