[Ranter13]

I am a nursing student in NYC who will be graduating in June. My SO has gotten a job offer in Louisville and I was wondering what the job market, hospitals, salaries were like in that area.

Average starting salary in NYC is 65K - I imagine I will not get that in Louisville... but how much of a decrease are we talking?

How are the hospitals and working environments in Louisville? Are the hospitals state-of-the-art? Supplies? Other staff shortages?

And does anyone know about internship programs - how often they're used? Offered in most hospitals? Length?

Any other advice you may have is very welcome!!

Thank you!!

[RealNurseWitch]

Well, starting salary is probably more like, about 40-45K, or about 20.50 an hour. Cost of living is MUCH, MUCH lower here though, than around NYC. For a nursing internship, I would try University of Louisville hospital, or just one of the bigger hospitals... Jewish Hospital, Norton's... those three are probably the biggest. If you don't find an internship, than I would just try obtaining a job as a Nurse's Aide, at whichever hospital in the area that you think you would like to work. For employee satisfaction, I have heard good things about Baptist Hospital East.

[RealNurseWitch]

Also yes, for the most part our hospitals are pretty state-of-the-art, and floors are well supplied. The nursing shortage, I have actually heard, is fairly low compared to other parts of the country. Having said that, I still don't think you would have much trouble finding a job.

And, like I said, if you are looking for a nicer environment, I would perhaps try Baptist East.

What area of nursing are you looking to go into?

[Ranter13]

Thank you so much! I have searched and searched for information to get me started but hadn't come up with much... This really helps.

I have always thought I'd go into peds - but my clinical rotation was less than ideal - so I'm still leaning in that direction but I want to get some med/surg under my belt before I decide.

I also hear there is a lot of alternative medicine in Louisville - might enjoy that as well. What about yourself?

Oh, one more thing - do you see many male nurses in KY?

Thanks again!

[RealNurseWitch]

Originally Posted by severin13

Thank you so much! I have searched and searched for information to get me started but hadn't come up with much... This really helps.

I have always thought I'd go into peds - but my clinical rotation was less than ideal - so I'm still leaning in that direction but I want to get some med/surg under my belt before I decide.

I also hear there is a lot of alternative medicine in Louisville - might enjoy that as well. What about yourself?

Oh, one more thing - do you see many male nurses in KY?

Thanks again!

Hmmm, don't know too much about the alternative medicine.

It's great to get some med/surge experience under your belt, especially if you aren't 100% sure what area you want to go into. I did M/S for three years and it was invaluable.

I am a psychiatric nurse now.

Male nurses.... well, I've actually only worked in two hospitals. One was a community hospital in Frankfort KY, and the male nurses were mostly working in the ER. Maybe a couple working in ICU. Otherwise, not a lot of male nurses there. I now work in a psychiatric hospital in Louisville, and there are quite a few male nurses and support people.

[BBFRN]

If you want to work in peds, Norton Kosair Hospital is your best bet. It is a 100% pediatric hospital, and a level 1 trauma center.

In my experience, you'll find a higher concentration of male nurses in ER and critical care around here.

I agree with RealNurseWitch re: pay and cost of living.

[organichombre]

NEW YORK CITY!! Wow what a culture shock you are in fer! We talk almost as funny as you do and we only have half our teeth!! Just kidding about the teeth. Louisville or Louavul we all pronounce it differently, is a great town. We have some of the best hospitals around including the Veterans hospital on Zorn, where there are plenty of male nurses. As the other replies have said we are indeed talking a big difference in pay but an equal decrease in cost of living. Hospitals here are very much state of the art and there is a strong alternative medicine community in town. Nortons sends their staff to Reiki classes, meditation is offered in many areas and accupuncture is a very common modality around town. I gotta toot my own horn here...I've written an article on the use of meditation with critical care nurses as a way to decrease burnout for my masters practicum and am waiting for a reply. On top of all this stuff we have The Kentucky Derby, world class museums, the Ohio River, numerous lakes and streams within a quick drive, golf courses out the wazoo, beautiful parks (one designed by the guy who designed Central Park in NEW YORK CITY!!) We luv it here...come join us!!

[Ranter13]

Originally Posted by organichombre

NEW YORK CITY!! Wow what a culture shock you are in fer!

Actually, I am looking forward to getting back to my roots.. I am originally from NC and hoping to get some peace and quiet and good Southern hospitality! (and some good Southern cooking as well!) Thank you so much for your reply! Sounds like a wonderful place... I'll be there October 1st and can't wait! Now I just need to pass the NCLEX and apply to Norton!

Thanks again!

[BBFRN]

http://www.nortonhealthcare.com/careers/

[rn-ka1977]

I must agree with everyone else. Kosair is your best bet for peds. Some of my friends work in the ER there. It is very very busy but they love it. As for Louisville....I love it there. There is so much diversity! My partner is from there and we plan to relocate there (from Lexington KY) soon. Also, one of my friends does the WOW at Kosair...she works 2 nights a weekend and gets pain for 3 shifts! Good luck!