Answer the Call: Louisiana’s Urgent Need for Nurses
The Pelican State is facing a healthcare challenge that demands immediate action: a significant and worsening nursing shortage. According to the Louisiana Board of Regents, the state is projected to need to fill a shortage of approximately 6,000 Registered Nurses (RNs) by 2030.
This isn’t a future problem—it’s happening now. Hospitals and clinics across our state, from the major medical hubs of New Orleans and Shreveport to our vital rural communities, are struggling to staff their units.
For you, the aspiring nurse, this crisis is your chance to launch a high-demand career. You have the opportunity to make a massive impact on your community while securing a stable, rewarding, and essential role in Louisiana’s healthcare future.
Charting Your Course: Louisiana’s Diverse Nursing Education
Louisiana’s colleges and universities have answered the call by offering a wide array of accredited programs designed to meet you at any stage of your academic journey—from starting your first degree to advancing your career.
Pre-Licensure Programs (Becoming an RN):
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A faster track, often through community colleges, preparing you to pass the NCLEX-RN and enter practice quickly.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): The widely preferred four-year degree offered by major universities. This degree opens doors to leadership and specialization.
Advanced Pathways for Career Growth:
- RN-to-BSN: This crucial path allows licensed RNs to efficiently earn their bachelor’s degree, often available in flexible online formats.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Prepares you for advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Educator, positions that Louisiana desperately needs.
Find Your Fit: Nursing Schools in Louisiana
Your education is the foundation of your career. Louisiana is home to highly-rated, accredited nursing programs with excellent NCLEX pass rates and robust clinical training opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for a large public university or a specialized academic health center, you have fantastic options across the state.
A Sample of Louisiana Nursing Schools:
| Location | Institutions with Nursing Programs (BSN, MSN, DNP) |
| New Orleans | LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Dillard University, University of Holy Cross |
| Baton Rouge | Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU), Southern University and A&M College |
| Lafayette | University of Louisiana at Lafayette |
| Monroe | University of Louisiana at Monroe |
| Shreveport | LSU Health Shreveport |
| Natchitoches | Northwestern State University of Louisiana (multiple campuses) |
| Hammond | Southeastern Louisiana University |
Many institutions also offer ADN and LPN-to-RN programs at their main and satellite campuses across the state.
Join the Louisiana Student Nursing Association
By joining the Louisiana Student Nursing Association, you are not just a student; you are a vital part of the solution. We connect you to:
- Networking: Opportunities to meet recruiters, faculty, and working nurses.
- Advocacy: Use your voice to shape health policy across the state.
- Resources: Access to scholarships, NCLEX prep, and mentorship.
Start building your career in a state that needs you now. Join the Louisiana Student Nursing Association today!
History
In June 2014 a group of nurse educators began the process of re-energizing the league. Did you know the league was first incorporated in 1959 in New Orleans? We found this out when working with the Secretary of State on locating our Letters of Incorporation. In December 2014 the Board met in Lafayette to begin planning activities and in January 2015 our first issue of the newsletter was sent to the Directors and Deans of all LPN and RN nursing programs. Since then, we have tried to renew the LLN. We start strong, then we are faced with difficulties. We had to re-apply for non-profit status, refile tax returns, refile papers with the National League for Nursing, then COVID. The board has resolved all of our issues and now in good standing with all. So, in March 2021 a small group of nurses came together on Zoom and started planning. Planning for the 2021 Summer Conference has started. It was a great success and we are planning for August 2022 our annual summer conference in Baton Rouge. We have several Webinars planned this year. We are awarding two nursing education scholarship. Any faculty from an LPN or RN program can belong to the Louisiana League. You do not need to be a member organization or a member of the NLN.
Taking AIM Resources – To confront the issue of structural racism, and improve health care outcomes for vulnerable populations, NLN have curated a comprehensive list of free resources, including white papers, videos, TED talks, podcasts, articles, tool kits, and blogs to help you better understand and address the following issues
NLN Introduces New Certification for Novice Nurse Educators
The Louisiana League for Nursing (LLN) offers a scholarship to support nursing students enrolled in either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) accredited degree program.
Click on link for more information and application. Deadline is February 28, 2022