LSU Health New Orleans’ School of Nursing was recently designated as a National League for Nursing (NLN) Center of Excellence™ (COE) in Nursing Education. This designation is for schools of nursing and health care organizations that have achieved a level of excellence in a specific area. The School of Nursing was recognized as a NLN COE for promoting the pedagogical expertise of faculty, and was only one of three schools awarded this particular COE designation.

“Excellence is a journey, not a destination,” said Dr. Demetrius Porche, Dean of Nursing for LSU Health New Orleans. “Through sustained efforts in all endeavors, we always seek excellence, striving to go above and beyond!”

First recognized as a COE in 2015, the School of Nursing has continued its tradition of excellence, earning redesignations in both 2019 and 2024.

NLN recognized that LSU Health New Orleans’ School of Nursing displays excellence in pedagogical expertise as evidenced by interprofessional education experiences, simulation-based learning, mentoring of undergraduate students in research, conducting systematic reviews that impact health care systems and creating academic-practice partnerships with health care agencies.

"We are deeply honored to receive this designation,” said Dr. Steve Nelson, LSU Health New Orleans Chancellor. “However, as we celebrate, it's important to acknowledge the critical nursing shortage we are facing here in Louisiana. This shortage challenges our ability to provide the care our communities deserve. Let this designation serve as a reminder of the urgent need to invest in this profession, so that we can continue delivering quality care to those who need it most."

The School of Nursing is the only school of nursing in Louisiana housed within an academic health sciences center environment that consistently graduates leaders defining the art and science of nursing. The faculty builds on more than 90 years of excellence to prepare nurses for the workforce as nurse generalists, advanced practice nurses, nurse scientists, nurse educators and nurse executives who are actively engaged in leadership on the state, regional and national levels. Faculty and staff are dedicated to excellence within an organizational culture that embraces diversity, inclusivity and engagement, while promoting growth mindset, emotional intelligence, grit and resilience in students.

---

LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans (LSU Health New Orleans) educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's health sciences university leader, LSU Health New Orleans includes a School of Medicine with campuses in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health, and Schools of Allied Health Professions, Nursing, and Graduate Studies. LSU Health New Orleans faculty take care of patients in public and private hospitals and clinics throughout the region. In the vanguard of biosciences research, the LSU Health New Orleans research enterprise generates jobs and enormous annual economic impact. LSU Health New Orleans faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment or cure disease.