In the Metairie / Kenner area, and all across the state of Louisiana, nurses at all levels are in extremely high demand. Below, you can read about the main types of nurses and their different responsibilities in greater detail.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
If you are a naturally caring person and consider yourself very social, a career as a certified nursing assistant could be a great fit for you. CNAs provide the most basic level of care, aiding patients with essentials such as bathing, getting dressed, and eating. CNAs are important to the everyday lives of their patients, and they often form friendships with the people in need of their care. CNA programs are offered at community colleges and vocational schools, and can be completed in a matter of weeks, making this the fastest, most affordable, and most accessible career path in the nursing field. In the Metairie / Kenner area, certified nursing assistants generally earn around $22,300 per year.
Licensed practical nurses are responsible for their patients’ overall comfort and well-being. They monitor symptoms, administer medications, and report any changes in a patient’s health or wellness to the doctors and registered nurses. LPN programs are offered at community colleges and vocational schools and generally require 12 to 18 months to complete. In the Metairie / Kenner area, licensed practical nurses can expect to earn around $40,600 per year.
Registered nurse (RN)
As an RN, you would manage a team of other nurses and medical support staff in planning, implementing, and assessing individualized patient care. It is a role for critical thinkers and natural leaders. There are two educational options for RNs: a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. The ADN is a quicker way to begin nursing, yet the BSN provides a more intensive training, which gives students an edge on the job market and usually correlates with higher salaries. In the Metairie / Kenner area, registered nurses can expect to earn around $64,700 per year.
If you’re interested in starting your nursing career in Louisiana, take a look at the below list of nursing programs in the Metairie / Kenner area.