A Guide to Nursing in Kentucky

Close your eyes and you can almost hear the pounding of horses’ hooves at the Kentucky Derby. A visit to Churchill Downs is a top attraction. Fancy hats are required. The Louisville Slugger Museum is a must for sports fans. For those with a more artistic flair, visit the National Quilt Museum. A jaunt over to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is sure to delight.

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one) read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing a Kentucky nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in Kentucky
• Top hospitals in Kentucky
• Nursing organizations & associations in Kentucky
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Kentucky whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Kentucky from another state. For more information visit the Kentucky licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX exam: $200
• Application fee: $125
• Fingerprint processing fee: $13.25

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $165 (RN/LPN/APRN)
• Fingerprint processing fee: $13.25

License renewal fee:

• Application fees: $65 (RN/LPN); $55 (APRN, for each designation)

Kentucky is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Steps for renewing a Kentucky nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN: 14 contact hours every year:

• There is a one-time requirement of 2 hours related to Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma
• At least 3 hours must be related to  Domestic Violence
• Nurses with SANE credentials must complete Forensic Evidence Collection training

LPN: 14 contact hours every year:

• There is a one-time requirement of 2 hours related to Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma
• At least 3 hours must be related to  Domestic Violence
• Nurses with SANE credentials must complete Forensic Evidence Collection training

APRN: 14 contact hours every year (or board certification):

• Additional 5 hours must pertain to pharmacology
• There is a one-time requirement of 2 hours related to Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma
• At least 3 hours must be related to Domestic Violence
• Nurses with SANE credentials must complete Forensic Evidence Collection training
• APRNs with a DEA-X Registration are required 4 contact hours in addiction disorders, which must include 1.5 hours in addiction disorder pharmacology

All licensees who hold a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) credential are required 5 hours in sexual assault continuing education each renewal. Any domestic violence or forensic nursing course(s) will meet this mandate. Hours may count towards the 14 hours of continuing education required for renewal.

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The Kentucky Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in Kentucky

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by about 9% between 2020 and 2030. The annual average wage is $82,750.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Kentucky is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Kentucky ]

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Top hospitals in Kentucky

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Kentucky will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital – Lexington, KY: This hospital has “implemented five values to help guide actions, behaviors and decision-making to foster a cohesive work culture focused on patient-centered care: Diversity; innovation; respect; compassion; teamwork.” They are also a member of the Magnet Recognition Program^®. Some specialties include:
  • Gastroenterology & GI surgery
  • Geriatrics
  • Orthopedics
  • Urology

• St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood-Covington Hospitals – Edgewood, KY: This Magnet Recognition Program^® hospital works on “serving others by pursuing excellence in healthcare and to compassionately care for the mind, body, and spirit of each patient.” Some specialties include:
  • Pulmonology & lung surgery
  • Knee & hip replacement
  • Nephrology
  • Diabetes

• Baptist Health Lexington – Lexington, KY: The nurses at this Magnet Recognition Program^® facility continually strive to raise the bar of professional practice through individual and group contributions. Some key points are: advancing higher levels of nursing education; obtaining nationally recognized nursing certifications; and volunteering in community outreach programs. Some specialties include:
  • Women’s health
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatric and chemical dependency care
  • Sleep disorders

*Magnet status – Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is considered the “gold standard” for excellence in nursing practice and care. Hospitals must meet certain criteria and apply to be designated.

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Nursing organizations & associations in Kentucky

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Kentucky:

Kentucky Nurses Association: The mission of this association is: “Advocating for, engaging with, and advancing the professional practice of nursing through leadership development, evidence-based practice, education, research, and membership growth.”

Kentucky Associations of Nurse Practitioners & Nurse-Midwives: The mission of this association is: “To empower Kentucky Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in providing quality, accessible and compassionate healthcare through education, leadership, and advocacy.”

KYANNA Black Nurses Association of Louisville, KY, Inc.: The mission of this association is: “To represent and provide a forum for black nurses to advocate for and implement strategies to ensure access to the highest quality of healthcare for persons of color.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

Kentucky Board of Nursing
Phone: (502) 429-3300 or (800) 305-2042
Fax: (502) 429-3311

Website: https://kbn.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx

312 Whittington Pky
Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40222

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