Nurses are absolutely vital to the healthcare system in Louisiana, and opportunities in the field are as rewarding as they are lucrative. Nurses at all education levels are in high demand in the New Orleans metro area. Below, you can read about each of these roles in greater detail.
Registered nurses (RNs)
Registered nurses are qualified to take on many of the same tasks as physicians and are responsible for planning, implementing, and assessing individual patient care. There are two educational options for RNs in Louisiana: a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. The ADN allows you to start your nursing career sooner, but the BSN provides a more intensive training, giving BSN degree-holders an opportunity for higher wages. The salary for an RN in the New Orleans metro area is generally around $64,700 per year.
Licensed practical nurses provide for their patients’ medical care by monitoring symptoms and reporting any changes in a patient’s wellness to doctors and registered nurses. LPN programs are offered at community colleges and vocational schools, and generally require 12 to 18 months to complete. The salary for an LPN in the New Orleans metro area is generally around $40,600 per year.
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs)
CNAs are essential to the everyday lives of their patients, helping them with everything from eating to bathing to getting dressed. Because of this close patient contact, CNAs often form strong friendships with the people in need of their care. CNA programs are offered at community colleges and vocational schools, and can be completed in just a few weeks. The salary for a CNA in the New Orleans metro area is generally around $22,300 per year.
Many universities and community colleges in the New Orleans metro area offer nursing programs, including Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and Delta College in Slidell. If you’re interested in learning about these and other nursing schools in New Orleans, take a look at the below list of nursing programs in the New Orleans metro area.