How To Become A Nurse In Kentucky
Nurses must meet certain requirements to legally practice in Kentucky. Prospective nurses must earn an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited school and pass a national licensing exam before applying for state licensure.
Apply to an ADN or a BSN Program.
Pass the NCLEX-RN to Receive RN Licensure.
Apply for Jobs at Local Hospitals.
Advance Your Career With a Graduate Degree or Certification.
Maintain and Renew Licensure and Certifications.
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.
Licensed Practical Nurse In Kentucky
Education: Completion of an Approved Licensed Practical Nurse Program
Examination: NCLEX-PN
- $13.25 Fingerprinting Fee
Experience: 120-Hour Clinical Internship
Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a licensed practical nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement. Endorsement applicants must complete three domestic violence continuing education contact hours, 1.5 pediatric head abuse trauma contact hours, provide proof of either 120 hours of clinical experience or a 120-hour clinical internship, and submit payment of a $165 application fee, a $13.25 fingerprinting fee. Licensed practical nurses who hold an active license in another compact state need not apply for licensure in Kentucky, unless they plan to change their permanent residency to Kentucky.
Renewal: Renewal fees include the R.N. license plus $65 for each LPN certification that is renewed. LPNs are required to complete 14 contact hours during each renewal period or complete one of the following: national certification, a nursing research project as principal investigator, or publication in a nursing journal.
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Select The Type Of Nursing License You Are Seeking:
In order for a program to remain in good standing in Kentucky, it must maintain a pass rate of 85% this is a higher bar than in some other states. The Board lists NCLEX pass rates by program, but notes that this should not be ones sole criteria for judging program quality . Other considerations may include program accreditation, clinical experiences, and ability to transfer credits.
The Board does not endorse particular NCLEX prep programs, but does offer some advice to test takers in the frequently asked questions .
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 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!
In this article, we will cover:
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How Many Times Can You Take The Nclex In Kentucky
Candidates who have not yet taken the NCLEX may hold a provisional license. Individuals who fail the examination have their provisional license revoked and may not practice until they pass the NCLEX. In Kentucky, candidates may take the NCLEX every 46 days. There is no limit to the number of times it can be taken.
Fingerprinting And Background Checks
All RN and LPN license applicants need to undergo a criminal background check and request a fingerprint card. Note that all federal background checks are valid for six months, so if you have undergone one in the last six months you are not required to do so again. You can access the fingerprinting instruction sheet online for additional clarity. Once you send the fingerprint request card in you can fill out an online request form for a background check through the Kentucky Court of Justice. Fingerprints and background checks can both take up to four weeks to process. This number is sometimes shorter, but also longer in others.
The initial fingerprint card and the required fee of $13.25 must be mailed to the Kentucky State Police at:
Kentucky State Police
Both can be taken online, but you can find a testing center for the NCLEX exam if you would rather take the test proctored in-person.
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Education Requirements For Lpns
There are several factors to consider prior to selecting an LPN program. The article, LPN programs in Kentucky, will help you better understand these factors during your LPN program selection process.
LPN candidates must attend a board approved school . The Kentucky Board does not recognize military experience unless the military-based program provided state approved nursing training but does note that candidates with military backgrounds can ask individual programs about advanced placement opportunities.
There are certain required concepts that graduates of Kentucky programs can expect in their coursework. Graduates of out-of-state programs must take them later via continuing education. HIV/ AIDS is required within six months of licensing. Domestic violence training is required within three years. Pediatric head trauma is also required.
Obtaining Your Kentucky Nursing License
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300Louisville, KY 40222
Approximately 14 days upon receipt of all required docs – valid for 6 months.Must not have any prior convictions OR disciplinary actions.
KBN does not issue license cards.
| Documents Needed | |
|---|---|
| Verification of original state license | No |
| Federal Criminal Background Check | Yes |
| State Criminal Background Check | Yes |
| Official Transcripts | Yes |
| Complete the KY jurisprudence exam | Yes |
| Evidence of 2 contact hours of HIV/AIDS | No |
*Temporary permits are issued while other required docs are in process of receiving a permanent license. Additional necessary steps to receive a permanent license MUST also be initiated.
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Kentucky Registered Nurse License Exam
To obtain licensure in Kentucky, Registered Nurses are required to take a nursing exam known as the National Council for Licensure Exam-RN which ensures the candidate is prepared for entry level nursing practice.
Need for a Registered Nurse License: A Registered Nurse is required to be licensed to practice nursing in the state of Kentucky.
Who Grants a Registered Nurse License: Licenses are granted by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Qualifications to receive a License: Applicants must graduate from an approved and accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Applying for State Licensure and the NCLEX-RN Exam: The application process consists of two parts which are completed together: 1) applying for Kentucky Licensure and 2) registering for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Fees: There are fees for both a Kentucky RN license and the NCLEX exam.
State Registered Nurse Aide Requirements In Kentucky
The Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by the states Board of Nursing in cooperation with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services: Department of Medicaid Services. Individuals who meet requirements are credentialed as State Registered Nurse Aides, or SRNAs. The Board of Nursing acknowledges they are sometimes also referred to as certified nurse aides. Certified Nurse Aide, or CNA, is the title that is in more common usage around the nation.
Nurse aides are placed on the registry after they meet training and examination requirements. SRNAs must also have acceptable backgrounds. Backgrounds may be investigated at the training level. Kentucky, like other states, maintains an abuse registry: a listing of nurse aides who have adverse findings and are barred from future employment.
- Advancement:CNA to RN Programs
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What Criminal Convictions Must Be Reported To The Kentucky Board Of Nursing
The Kentucky Nursing Laws require that ALL misdemeanor and felony convictions occurring in Kentucky or any other state, regardless of when they occurred, be reported to the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Federal and military convictions must also be reported. Any person licensed/credentialed by the Kentucky Board of Nursing shall, within ninety days of entry of the final judgment, notify the Kentucky Board of Nursing in writing of any misdemeanor or felony criminal conviction in this or any other jurisdiction. Upon learning of any failure to notify the Kentucky Board of Nursing under this section, the Kentucky Board of Nursing may initiate disciplinary action.
Traffic-related misdemeanor, with the exception of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, do not have to be reported.
Take And Pass The Competency Evaluation Examination
The KCTCS is the sole administrator of the competency evaluation examination, and most NATCEPs are given at KCTCs, technical education centers and health occupation schools. Nursing facilities may also administer the state exam if the nurse aide is or will be employed, and the facility gets permission from Medicaid Services. The exam is composed of a:
- This part of the exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions. The student must score a minimum 70 percent to pass.
- Skills demonstration This part of the exam consists of five tasks and will include required personal care skills, like handwashing. The student must score at least a 70 percent.
All of the questions and skills come from what was taught in the SRNA training program.
Each person is allowed three attempts to pass both parts of the competency evaluation exam. Applicants are required to take the competency exam within one year of completing training or the fundamentals of nursing course.
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Is Kentucky A Compact Nursing State
Kentucky has been part of the Nurse Licensure Compact for over 12 years now. With the NLC, a registered nurse is permitted to hold one license in his or her home state and to practice in other compact states –without requiring any additional licenses.
If you hold a single-state license, you will need to convert it to a multi-state license. Our team of licensing experts can help you through this process. If you hold a multi-state license with an NLC state, you can start looking for travel nursing jobs in Kentucky!
Requirements To Be Fulfilled For Getting Cna Certification In Ky
The applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to obtain their CNA licensure:
- The candidate must not be less than 16 years.
- Pass the criminal background check prior to enrollment.
- Submit fingerprint report.
- Possess a GED or a high school diploma.
- Your TB test must be negative and it should be done within the past 12 months.
- Successfully complete at least 100 hours of clinical rotation and 75 hours of classroom instructions.
- Pass the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Kentucky Aprn Educational Requirements
An advanced practice nurse must have post-basic nursing education the APRN program must include clinical experience. Current students will need a masters degree, post-master certificate, or doctoral degree .
The masters requirement does not apply to those who completed qualifying education by July 1, 2005.
Registered Nurse In Kentucky
Education: Completion of an Approved Registered Nurse Program
Examination: NCLEX-RN
- $13.25 Fingerprinting Fee
Experience: 120-Hour Clinical Internship
Endorsement: Individuals licensed as a registered nurse in another state may apply for licensure through endorsement. Endorsement applicants must complete three domestic violence continuing education contact hours, 1.5 pediatric head abuse trauma contact hours, provide proof of either 120 hours of clinical experience or a 120-hour clinical internship, and submit payment of a $165 application fee, a $13.25 fingerprinting fee. Registered nurses who hold an active license in another compact state need not apply for licensure in Kentucky, unless they plan to change their permanent residency to Kentucky.
Renewal: All Kentucky licenses should be renewed between September 15 and midnight of October 31. Fee is $65 for the registered nurse license. Any advanced licenses should be renewed separately and for an additional fee. RNs are required to complete 14 contact hours for renewal or complete one of the following: national certification, a nursing research project as principal investigator, or publication in a nursing journal.
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What Does A Nurse Have To Report After A Dui
If you are currently a nurse, KRS 314.109 requires you to report criminal convictions to the Kentucky Board of Nursing within ninety days of being convicted. If you are in the application process, 201 KAR 20:370 requires you to disclose convictions such as a DUI. Failure to notify can result in disciplinary action or denial of your application.
What the Kentucky Board of Nursing considers a conviction is specifically defined by law, and consulting with an attorney experienced in this area will help you answer any questions you might have about what you need to report. Charges that have been dismissed, as well as juvenile matters, are a few exceptions to the general reporting rule. However, if you hope to have any criminal charge dismissed, you should consult an attorney immediately after being arrested so they can get a head start on your case and begin protecting your ability to make a living in your chosen profession.
Kentucky Board Of Nursing
The Kentucky Board of Nursing develops and enforces the state laws that govern nursing practice. These include credentialing, educational guidelines, and continuing education requirements for license renewal. The nursing board also maintains resources for nurses in the state, including the following:
- How to retire a license
- Forms and publications
- Continuing nursing education catalog
- Scope of practice for RNs and APRNs
- State legal opinions that affect nursing practice
- An avenue for students and nurses to register complaints
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How To Get Your Nursing License In Kentucky
Prospective nurses receive licensure by passing the NCLEX-RN and submitting their fingerprints. Nurses who are licensed to practice in another state may apply for a Kentucky nursing license by endorsement. These candidates must meet certain educational criteria and pass the 35-question Jurisprudence Examination, which covers the legal aspects of practicing in Kentucky.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing provides a free study guide for the Jurisprudence Examination on its website.
The Kentucky State Board of Nursing requires all prospective nurses to meet certain eligibility requirements. Each requirement is mandatory to receive licensure and practice nursing.
RN Licensure Eligibility Requirements
RNs seeking licensure in Kentucky must meet the following standards. Visit the Kentucky Board of Nursing website for further information.
- Earn a degree from an accredited and approved nursing school.
- Submit a verification of completion from an approved accredited school.
- Submit to state and federal background checks with proof of identification.
- File fingerprints with the state police.
- Pay a $51.25 background check fee.
- Register with Pearson VUE and receive an .
- Pay the $200 NCLEX-RN application fee.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN.
S For Renewing A Kentucky Nursing License
Visit the Verification to confirm your license.
You can complete your nursing CEUs online, on your schedule, and 100% free with Incredible Health.
Visit the Renewal Information page for specifics. Kentucky is a compact state. If your Primary State of Residency is in another compact state do not apply for licensure in Kentucky unless you are declaring Kentucky as your Primary State of Residency.
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
: 14 contact hours every year :
All licensees who hold a SANE credential are required 5 hours in sexual assault continuing education each renewal. Any domestic violence or forensic nursing course will meet this mandate. Hours may count towards the 14 hours of continuing education required for renewal.
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Earn Your National Certification
The Kentucky Board of Nursing requires all APRNs to become nationally certified within an approved population focus. This certification must be maintained to retain APRN licensure in the state. You may choose to become certified in more than one population focus area.
Each national certification organization approved by the Board maintains its own requirements for certification, requiring you to meet specified educational standards and pass a national certification examination.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing licenses APRN titles in the following general practice categories:
- Nurse practitioner
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist
- Clinical nurse specialist
Certification Programs
These national certification agencies are approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing to offer APRN certification in general practice, as well as subspecialty and population focus:
You must attain national certification prior to proceeding with Kentuckys APRN licensure process. Contact the appropriate national certification agency for more information.