Baton Rouge, LA is the state's capitol city and had a population of roughly 227,000 according to the 2000 Census. The area is second in population only to New Orleans. Settled by French-Canadians, the city offers a cultural landscape unique to any other in the United States. Baton Rouge is home to Louisiana State University and Southern University, which both offer extensive resources to potential nurses, including opportunities to work with the disabled. While the August 2005 strike of Hurricane Katrina left the area relatively unscathed, in days following the disaster the city's population reportedly more than doubled. While long-term effects cannot be predicted, it is safe to assume that the refugee influx will cause the Baton Rouge area to grow almost immeasurably in coming years. The need for nurses will be great and opportunities in the area should be rich and fortuitous for those who fill them. Click here to read more about nursing schools, fields in nursing, and living in Baton Rouge.