LAFAYETTE, La. ― The inability to find nursing faculty has stalled the start of South Louisiana Community College’s new registered nursing program at least six months.
In August, the college announced it hoped to start classes by early spring, but it’s been difficult to fill two of the four full-time faculty positions, says Christine Payton, SLCC public relations director.
To allow time for curriculum development, Laurie Fontenot, SLCC’s dean for nursing, allied health and safety, says the Louisiana Board of Nursing requires faculty to be in place at least six months before students are admitted.
Payton tells The Advocate that Fontenot conducted interviews this week for one of the two open positions.
“Attracting the faculty has been a process,” Payton said. “They can earn a better wage being a nurse, rather than teaching nursing.”
Pay is only one factor.
The job requirements include: a master’s degree in nursing, recent clinical experience and experience in education and curriculum development.
Payton says Fontenot, who holds a master’s degree in nursing, plans to ask the Louisiana Board of Nursing to allow her to also serve as a faculty member in the new program to expedite the start of classes.
