Kentucky job market for new RNs

[Racer1986]

I am embarking on a career change into the nursing field and am trying to decide between attempting to get into a competitive second-degree BSN program or jumping into an ADN program instead with the hope that I could get a job and do a bridge program to BSN while working later.

I feel like this may be the best plan for me as I hate the thought of taking a bunch of pre-reqs and then not getting into the BSN program, whereas with the ADN, I can jump right in. However, I need to feel confident I can get a job with an ADN.

I would be looking either in the Louisville area or the Paducah area in western Kentucky. Anyone have knowledge of the current job market in those areas and know whether hospitals are hiring ADNs? Or do they want BSNs?

Thanks for any thoughts.

[WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Might want to check over in the Kentucky forum.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Right now, it is a good time for Louisville. Two of my classmates found jobs at Jewish fairly quickly and I had a quick phone interview yesterday and an in-person interview next week for Norton Healthcare. We have BSN, so that may be a factor (Magnet Status)

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Norton has a New grad hiring event for Thurs 11/13/14 2pm-7pm in Louisville. They also have Norton Healthcare Scholar Loan Forgiveness scholarships available for those who qualify and haven’t graduated yet

[Racer15, BSN, RN]

I graduated in Paducah from an ADN program. Was hired before graduation into the ER. Although I did not do it, I would recommend externing in the hospital of your choice.

[Racer1986]

Racer15, was that recently? Do you know if your classmates had similar experiences? I had thought the market might be better in western Kentucky as opposed to the bigger cities...