Wages in Louisville

[krazykev]

I am from Wisconsin have always liked Kentucky. So when I complete school, I would like to move there. However, I cannot find out what the wages are for hospitals in Louisville.

So, can someone please tell me the wages?

Thank You,

Kevin

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Is that rate before passing NCLEX or after? I've heard from several people that they will recieve raises after passing the NCLEX. This stuff is so stressful, especially if they drop the loan forgiveness program. UGH!!!

That's after the NCLEX, from what I know. Yes, the Loan Forgiveness is soon to be a thing of the past, unfortunately. The good news is that all the hospitals here offer tuition reimbursement or loan buybacks.

[Mercy83]

my friend recently graduated and started working at alocal hospital about 6 weeks ago. She started at 20 bucks an hour. Thats pretty decent starting wage for Louisville. Cost of living here is pretty good.....not counting gas prices!!!!!! Can but a really nice home in 80 - 100,000 dollar range. My brother builds houses and I'm planning on doing that myself after graduation. Louisville is also a wide open market for anyone with entrpreneual spirit! Go CARDS!!!

[openheartmary]

I don't know about Louisville specifically. My opinion is that Kentucky nurses earn far less than the national average. This is especially true for areas where there are several nursing schools turning out nurses. It's all about supply and demand. Thankfully, the nursing shortage has not hit hard here, but that keeps our earnings down as well.

[RN Zeke]

Call the human resources dept. of the hospitals you are interested in. You will get the most accurate information and take the guess out of the pay scale.

[crb613, BSN, RN]

My friend works at Baptist East, & started out ~ $20-$21/hr.

[savingangels]

Kevin

I will be completing school in August, my classmates have been job hunting and most have reported that new grads are being offered 19.50 an hr plus shift diffs and most area hospitals do not have weekend diffs.

Tracy

[palee]

I, too, am graduating and August and have been looking at all the options around Louisville. I have found that most offer between $20 & $21/hr starting with night and weekend shift difs (some places will stack them; some will not). I think Jewish has a 15% of base pay shift dif, and most of the others have set addt'l rates for nights & weekends. The VA hospital is the only one that I know of that offers a higher rates for a BSN new grad than a ADN new grad, plus you get federal benefits and transferability of all of your benefits to any VA facility nationwide, plus full licensure at any VA facility, regardless of the state in which you hold your nursing license. Norton is the only one that I know of that has 12-hour 'second shifts' available (11 am - 11 pm). Baptist East supposedly has 24/7 discounted child care available.

Decisions, decisions!! Good luck to you!

[Notmywil]

Here's a suggestion:

There are a number of hospitals in Louisville:

Norton Healthcare

Baptist Hospital East

Jewish Hospital

University of Louisville

Louisville Veterans Administration

Contact them directly and ask for information. Let them recruit you!

[twinmom2k]

WOW!! These pay rates scare the crap out of me:eek:. I am currently an LPN with over 15 years experience. I hope to graduate Spencerian's LPN to RN program next September. But I am worried about the pay rates because I already make almost $21 as an LPN. Does anyone know if the pay rates are greater if you have LPN experience?

[palee]

Twinmom,

I don't think you have to worry too much. I know that most places WILL pay more if you have experience, and if you are staying where you are currently, you should get a pay raise as well. Good luck to you!!

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Most places here will pay you for 6 months experience for each year you have been a LPN, so you should be getting 7.5 years' worth on top of the starting pay.