What's Louisville like?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!!

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

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!