RN Nursing Programs in Kentucky, KY

How to Become an RN in Kentucky

There are two common routes to becoming a Registered Nurse in Kentucky, and about half of the students choose each one. The shorter route is an Associate Degree, Nursing (AND) and it takes around two years after 5-10 classes of general studies prerequisites are fulfilled. The other education program to become an RN is a Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BSN), and it takes four to five years to complete. However, it is popular because it provides a baccalaureate degree and the opportunity to engage with advanced topics in nursing that lead to dynamic career options.

Prerequisites and the first two years of a BSN is fairly similar to an ADN: nursing courses make up the core element, while introductory and lower-level psychology, sociology, physiology, and biology courses as well as the option to take a course in topics like child care and elder care. Where ADNs finish, a BSN moves into advanced studies in managerial processes, nursing process, theories and practices; these are complemented with specific topics like pharmacology, nursing research, acute needs and so on.

Whether taking the two or four year option, students face the same final test: the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). A comprehensive test of nursing skills and knowledge, the test is administered by Pearson Vue at a cost of $200 and the Kentucky Board of Nursing requires payment of a $110 application fee. Pass rates are well above 80 percent and successful candidates are ready to work as soon as they receive passing resultsRN Jobs in Kentucky: Salary, Hours and Duties

RN Jobs in Kentucky: Salary, Hours and Duties

An RN working as a staff nurse in a Kentucky city can expect to make around $62,000 per year (according to BLS.gov), on average, with entry-level nurses and those in less-populated areas making a few thousand dollars less. They usually work around 40 hours per work, but the hours can be abnormal—night shifts and weekends are common, as patient’s needs must be met around the clock. Additionally, it is quite uncommon for a nurse to do the same thing day after day, as they are faced with unique patient needs from shift to shift. Essentially, RNs work with doctors and lesser-qualified nurses in an ongoing process of assessment and adjustment to their patient’s plans of care, which can mean entirely different tasks, problems and solutions in numerous cases every day. Whether working in doctor’s office or retirement homes, or hospitals—where around 60 percent of RNs find jobs—a career as a Registered Nurse in Kentucky pays well and can be very satisfying on a personal level.