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New Orleans needs medical professionals

Our Lady of Wisdom Health Care has had to raise pay to maintain acceptable staffing levels in New Orleans' competitive health care market.

Pay for entry-level jobs at the 128-bed long-term care facility used to be between $6 and $8 per hour, but it's risen to between $8 and $11 per hour, said Administrator Wendy LoCoco.

There is a need for workers across the New Orleans health care industry, especially for paramedics, nurses, X-ray technicians and mental health professionals, LoCoco said.

"We have hospitals open, yes, but those hospitals aren't open to capacity," she said. "If you came out of the military and you were a nurse, the odds that you could come here with that expertise and get a job -- those are great."

Dr. Kevin Stephens Sr., director of the New Orleans Health Department, welcomes former service members who want to move to New Orleans and go to work or earn a degree for a new medical career.

"I love military people because they are very disciplined and very well-trained," Stephens said. "This is a great opportunity for starting a career. ... I could use doctors, nurses — you name it."

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is administering a $15 million federal grant aimed at drawing physicians and other medical professionals to the New Orleans area.

The grants require three-year commitments to provide full-time professional health care services in Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines or St. Bernard parishes. Participants are eligible for one-time, up-front awards of up to $110,000 for physicians, psychiatrists and dentists, with varying lesser amounts for other health care providers.

For an application, or to find out what medical specialties qualify for the program, visit the department’s Web site.