The Louisiana coast was hit hard by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, but this state is rebuilding with an eye to bringing businesses back to devastated areas. Nurses can find nursing education and employment statewide. If you enjoy Cajun food, jazz, beautiful countryside and great sunsets, Louisiana might suit your tastes. Nurses can find education and employment from New Orleans in the south to Monroe, which is located in the northern part of the state.

Becoming a Nurse in Louisiana

New Orleans offers many health care educational opportunities, including Louisiana State University, where nurses can study adult care, behavioral/mental and psychiatric care and family care. Students can achieve a BSN, MSN or doctoral degree in nursing from this university. Or, you might look at Loyola University, also in New Orleans. This school provides specialties in adult care, anatomy, family care and behavioral/mental and psychiatric care with a BSN, MSN and RN-to-BSN program. Many other colleges exist outside New Orleans, including McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, and Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe. Most of the smaller colleges offer degrees from associate’s to the BSN.

Nursing Jobs in Louisiana

Nursing salaries in Louisiana vary according to the nurse’s experience, degree earned, the job sought and location. For instance, an LPN in Monroe, Louisiana might earn a salary on average of $38,000 per year, while an RN in Monroe can earn, on average, $65,000 per year. Some of the largest employers in this state include Baton Rouge General Health System, the premier burn treatment center in the area; Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington; and, NorthOaks Health System, with a main medical center and several clinics located in Hammond.