Eastern KY

I teach at a school located in the eastern part of the state. Our recent graduating class from May '09 are now mostly employed either in Pikeville (Pikeville Medical Center) or Ashland (King's Daughters). I also know of at least one who relocated and found a job already in Lexington. So, all in all, not bad!

Living in eastern KY takes a little getting used to. I'm not even from KY originally, I grew up in El Paso, TX, so it was a bit of a culture shock. It is very family oriented, and people tend to be a bit wary of outsiders. I'm used to it now (been here 16 years). This part of the state has incredible natural beauty. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever lived; it would be even better if people didn't litter (some areas, mostly hidden, can get pretty bad).

You may already know that the drug problem (mostly prescription painkiller abuse) here is quite bad. Students in my OB clinicals are always shocked to learn that >50% (I believe the statistic is 62%) of our newborn infants have a positive drug screen. They never believe me until they see it for themselves.

Well, I guess I've told you some of the good and bad. But that's true for anywhere.

I am originally from Miami and moved initially to Richmond Ky where I attended EKU. Do to my husbands job (State Trooper) I had to relocate to the Louisa Ky area in Eastern Kentucky. Could throw a rock from my backyard into WV lol. Talk about culture shock!!!! First time I seen a 6 year old with a wade of chew in his mouth in the ER I was OMG. lol Anyway it took me alittle time but I adjusted well and learned to really love that area. It is close knit and everybody knows everybody. I worked at what used to be Humana and is now Three Rivers I believe and I loved it. I learned more from that little hospital then I ever did in any major teaching hospital (UK). We didnt have residents and docs on call to come to our aid so you learned very quickly to fend for yourself. I had a home burn and people in the area came out of the woodwork to help me when I needed it the most. People I didnt know or didnt remember telling me "You took care of my grandma in ER when she passed" or other things they remembered. Folks in those areas dont forget the small things you do. I didnt go without in relation to a new place to live or pots/pans. I now am back in Florida but my experiences there taught me more then I could have learned anywhere else in relation to people and nursing as a whole. Lots of pride and very close knit families. Good luck and hope you find your niche. You wont regret it just give it time and remember these are areas with a great deal of poverty although many are happy to have what they have and dont expect sympathy directed toward them.

I work at Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin and I think it is a great hospital to work at. Right now there is a hiring freeze on at BRMC so the number of open positions is limited until probably after the holidays. St. Joe's London (formerly Marymount) is a good hospital as well. They are in the process of building a brand new 300+ bed (all private rooms) hospital in London and I've heard rumored that the current hospital will become a VA hospital. So in the near future the job market for RNs in this area looks pretty good.

Love love love Eastern KY! Went to college at Morehead and loved it. My husband is from Louisa. It's beautiful there and there are lots of outdoor activities, lakes, good fishing, hiking... caving at Carter Caves in Grayson... if you can learn to love the outdoors, or already do =), than it's a wonderful place. Some parts of it can feel quite a bit isolating, but you do have Ashland, Pikeville, London, which are good sized towns with plenty of shopping and places to eat, etc.. Pikeville has a new convention center that actually gets some big-name concerts now.

As for hospitals, there are several, as well as nursing homes; you should be able to find work. =) Kings Daughters in Ashland is a great hospital; St Clair's in Morehead always seemed like a good place. Someone mentioned Highland Regional in Pikeville, which is huge. And then there are others. Good luck!!! =)