Becoming an RN in Kentucky

You become a registered nurse by completing an education program that was approved either by the Kentucky Board of Nursing or by the Board of Nursing in another state. After completing anatomy, physiology, and other prerequisite courses, you will study mental health and medical-surgical care. Most students do complete programs that are physically located within their state, but there are exceptions. The official word on online programs is that they must be approved by the Board of Nursing in the state where they have their physical location.

The Kentucky Board does outline specific clinical requirements. Some internship hours need to be completed before program completion, others before full licensure. A background check and exam are among the final licensing requirements. Prospective RNs may apply for a temporary authorization (TA) that allow them to work for up to six months while pursuing licensure. The test can be retaken, but if a candidate has already completed internship hours before attempting, he/she will not be able to work under a temporary authorization during the interim. If a student has trouble passing the NCLEX exam at the RN level, he or she may also opt to take the exam at the PN level and work as a practical nurse. This is not the case in all states.

A degree in professional nursing may be pursued at the associate’s level or higher. ADN and BSN nurses have the same licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN, but increasingly the roles are defined differently by employers and professional organizations. The Kentucky Board notes that BSN programs emphasize management, research skills, and critical thinking. They also include more courses in the humanities and natural sciences. Kentucky has a mobility plan in place to help nurse move up the ranks without repeating concepts. The state has also developed a competency model, which compares ADN roles and BSN roles (as well as roles at other levels of nursing). This includes everything from providing care to engaging in scholarship. Nursing is different from medicine in that practitioners can complete their education a little at a time if they choose.

Multiple RN Education Pathways

Many nurses enter the field at the level of licensed practical nurse, but decide later to pursue more advanced training. Most in-state programs for LPNs are at the ADN level. There is currently one BSN program that awards advancement placement to LPNs. If you are not yet a practical nurse, but want to earn LPN licensing on the way to RN licensing, this is also an option within Kentucky. The Kentucky Board of Nursing notes that many employers do provide financial assistance for students who are continuing their education in the nursing field.

Professionals with degrees outside of nursing may also have a shortened path to licensure. Second degree BSN programs give students credit for academic work already completed. Some of these programs are accelerated and can be completed in a relatively short period of time if a student attends fall-time, year-round.

Registered Nursing Career Outlook in Kentucky

Health care hiring remains relatively strong even during recession. Workforce Kentucky has placed registered nursing at #4 on the list of the top 25 occupations in the state (listed by hiring numbers). 728 annual openings due to growth were projected for the 2009 to 2011 reporting period.

Rural areas have traditionally had a more difficult time attracting candidates. The state of Kentucky has been working on implementing nursing residencies to ease the transition into the workplace. This includes residencies in rural health care facilities.

The Application Process

Admission requirements vary by type of program and by school. At the community college level, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is typical. However, this may not be enough to be guaranteed a spot in the program. Preference may be given to students who live in the service area of the school and who score well on a point system based on high school ranking, test scores, and other factors. Students who score enough above the minimum may be guaranteed admission.

BSN programs often have a multi-faceted selection process. Some programs, it should be noted, do require previous education as a nursing assistant. It pays to shop around and see which programs value the skills that you bring.

Associate Degree Nursing Programs Approved by the Kentucky State Board of Nursing

BSN Programs Approved by the Kentucky State Board of Nursing

Masters in Nursing Degree Programs Approved by the Kentucky State Board of Nursing