Overview
Louisiana, where the Mississippi meets the ocean, offers tourists and residents alike a rich tapestry of history and cultures. New Orleans is home to Mardi Gras and the French Quarter and was the site of the last battle of the War of 1812. The state’s mix of Creole and Cajun cultures lend it a character unique in the nation. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the state hard, causing many deaths and destroying portions of New Orleans. Since then, the ongoing nurse shortage has worsened significantly. The problem is severe enough to prompt some hospitals to offer bonuses and other incentives to nurses.
Nursing Education in Louisiana
Louisiana has around 50 nursing schools offering a full range of programs. The state offers several scholarships to Louisiana residents. Other scholarships are available to students of specific nursing schools. There are also tuition assistance programs that will pay a student’s full tuition to nursing school..
Outlook for Nursing in Louisiana
The nursing shortage has been critical in Louisiana since 2005. CRNAs are in especially high demand. Some New Orleans hospitals are offering bonuses for nurses willing to agree to work for a set period of time. Others are offering to help repay student loans. At almost $30.00, the mean hourly wage for RNs is on the upswing compared most of the region according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010 edition.
Some of the top employers of Registered Nurses in Louisiana include Willis-Knighton Medical Center, CHRISTUS Schumpert Saint Mary Place, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Saint Francis Medical Center, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.
Nursing Degree Programs in Louisiana
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in LA
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in LA
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in LA
Entry level nursing programs:
