Former Registrar of WPB Nursing School Sentenced for Assisting in Selling 7,600 Fake Diplomas
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A former West Palm Beach nursing school, Palm Beach School of Nursing, is back in the spotlight after three key figures in a large-scale fraudulent diploma scheme were sentenced to federal prison this week.
The scheme, dubbed Operation Nightingale by authorities, involved selling fake nursing diplomas and transcripts to individuals seeking careers as registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs). The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas were distributed by Palm Beach School of Nursing and Quisqueya School of Nursing LLC in Palm Beach County.
Gail Russ, the former registrar of Palm Beach School of Nursing, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison for her role in the scheme. Two other defendants, Cassandre Jean and Vilaire Duroseau, who operated related businesses involved in the fraud in New York and New Jersey, also received prison sentences.
The court’s decision to prosecute these individuals highlights the gravity of the situation and the potential risks to patient safety posed by unqualified nurses. Operation Nightingale has brought to light the importance of upholding the integrity of the nursing profession and ensuring that individuals entering the field are properly trained and qualified.
