Kentucky Travel Nursing: 5 Things Nurses Should Know

As a travel nurse, assignments in Kentucky can provide you with many benefits both in and out of the hospital. From Louisville’s world-famous Kentucky Derby to long hikes at Red River Gorge, the experiences available to those working in the Bluegrass State are often some of the most memorable.

When considering the destination for your next travel nursing job, keep these five things in mind about Kentucky:

1. TRAVEL NURSE SALARIES IN KENTUCKY ARE ON PAR WITH THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

Travel nurses working in the Bluegrass State should, on average, expect to take home 10–30% more than than their full-time, permanent peers. While each assignment is unique in it’s exact pay structure, recruiters at Health Carousel Travel Nursing can help you get the most financial benefit out of your Kentucky travel nursing experience.

2. KENTUCKY IS A COMPACT STATE

As a member of the original Nurse Licensure Compact, nurses who are licensed in Tennessee, Missouri, Virginia, and 21 other states do not have to apply for any additional licensure to pursue a travel nursing job in Kentucky.

3. THERE ARE OVER 75 HOSPITALS LOCATED IN KENTUCKY

Multiple large health systems call Kentucky home, including Kentucky One Health, Baptist, Commonwealth Health Corporation, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare Systems. There are three Level I trauma centers, and eight teaching hospitals, including the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky Hospital, and University of Kentucky Healthcare.

4. THE COST OF LIVING IN KENTUCKY IS 13% BELOW THE U.S. AVERAGE

Even more attractive, housing costs in Kentucky are 30% lower than the national average. For you, this likely means your dollar will go further, and you’ll likely be able to secure a better housing situation for less than you may pay during an assignment elsewhere.

5. KENTUCKY HAS ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS FOR EVERYONE

You’ve likely heard of the Kentucky Derby, hosted in early May each year at Louisville’s Churchill Downs, but the Bluegrass State has much more to offer visitors. For sports fans, Lexington and Louisville are both homes to some perennial college basketball powers. South-central Kentucky boasts one of the Midwest’s few national parks, Mammoth Cave, and Red River Gorge is famous for it’s gorgeous hiking trails. At HCTN, our Kentucky-specific recruiters can serve as your local experts when on assignment in the state, helping you to get the most of of your experience inside and outside the healthcare facility.

‍