Kentucky Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

When you think about Kentucky, what comes to mind? Is it impressive waterfalls, horse farms, and … fried chicken? Kentucky has even more to offer than you might think. With 4.5 million residents and 22% of nursing jobs wide open, there are plenty of opportunities for nurses on the job hunt.

Wondering what it would cost to live in Kentucky? We’re talking fourth lowest in the U.S.If you’re ready for a change of pace, there are also loan repayment programs for nurses who are willing to work in rural areas. If you’re eager to make the most of this thriving job market, make sure you stay up to date on Kentucky nursing license renewal requirements.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Kentucky Board of Nursing license renewal process. We’ll help you renew your license and tap into the wealth of opportunities in the Bluegrass State.

Kentucky Nursing Facts

To navigate the Kentucky nursing license renewal process smoothly and successfully, make sure you have these essential details ready.

Is Kentucky part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)?

Yes.

How much do nurses in Kentucky earn?

• The average SRNA salary in Kentucky is $35,980 per year.
• The average LPN salary in Kentucky is $55,100 per year.
• The average RN salary in Kentucky is $81,770 per year.

How can I contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing?

Website: https://kbn.ky.gov/
Phone Number: 502 429-3300
Fax Number: 502-429-3311
Email address: kbn.webmaster@ky.gov

Kentucky Board of Nursing Address
312 Whittington Pkwy #300
Louisville, KY 40222

If you’d like to schedule a one-on-one conversation with a staff member from the Kentucky Board of Nursing to discuss any questions you have regarding Kentucky nurse license renewal, you can do so directly.

Kentucky Nursing License Renewal Steps

If you presently possess a nursing license in Kentucky, just follow these three simple steps. However, if renewal isn’t on the table, you have two alternative routes:

• Explore the license endorsement process if you’re a nurse with an out-of-state license.
• Consider taking an examination if you’re a new nurse applying for your first-ever license.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

Your Kentucky nursing license renewal journey starts with determining your license’s expiry date. In the Bluegrass State, registered nurses follow a yearly renewal process, which takes place between September 15 and October 31.

Circle that date on your calendar — October 31. If you forget to renew your license by then, your license lapses, and working with a lapsed license is a legal no-no. Moreover, if you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to apply for renewal. You will have to file for a license reinstatement, costing $135. So, save yourself the trouble and get it done on time.

When it comes to state registered nurse aide (SRNA) renewal, your status is valid for two years, and then you need to renew it. Remember that happy day you passed your competency test? That is your renewal date.

Last but not least, you can always verify your license expiration date by using the Kentucky nursing license lookup platform. Simply enter your name, choose your license type, and hit “View Report.”

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

Your next step in the Kentucky nursing license renewal process is to ensure you meet all the necessary continuing education requirements. This way, you can keep up with all the latest advancements and maintain your competence and expertise.

RNs and LPNs in Kentucky have a variety of options to meet their renewal requirements. You can choose the option that suits you best from the following list:

• Complete 14 hours of nursing education.
• Complete 7 hours of nursing education and receive a satisfactory employment evaluation signed by your supervisor.
• Obtain certification or recertification related to your nursing practice role.
• Finish a post-licensure academic course relevant to nursing practice at a college, university, or postsecondary institution.
• Serve as a preceptor for at least one nursing student or new employee for a minimum of 120 hours.
• Publish an article in a peer-reviewed, health-related journal.
• Provide a nursing continuing education presentation for nurses or other health professionals.
• Complete a nursing research project as a principal investigator, co-investigator, or project director.

For APRNs, you need 14 hours of continuing education, but here’s the good news — your board certification covers the 14-hour requirement for renewing your RN license. It works as long as your APRN certification was first obtained during the licensure period, remained active throughout, or was renewed within it.

As an APRN, you will also need at least five hours of pharmacology continuing education every licensure period. If you hold extra certifications, such as CAPA-CS and DEA-X, there are some additional educational requirements for you to meet.

Additionally, Kentucky nurses have to complete two contact hours in suicide prevention, one and a half hours in pediatric abusive head trauma, and three hours in domestic violence training within three years of receiving a Kentucky nursing license. These are one-time requirements — if you’ve already completed it once, you’re all set.

Finally, let’s talk about the renewal requirements for SRNAs. To renew your certification, you must provide the Kentucky nurse aide registry with a proof of a minimum of eight hours of employment as a state registered nurse aide performing nursing or nursing-related functions in each 24-month cycle.

For further clarification about the Kentucky nursing license renewal process, check out this brochure that has all the necessary information detailed.

Searching for options to meet those 14-hour continuing education requirements? IntelyEdu provides a range of courses that are accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Be sure to explore this resource.

Step 3: File Your Kentucky Nursing License Renewal Application

For license renewal, simply head over to the Kentucky Board of Nursing portal and sign in to your account. If you’re new to the system, you can easily set up an account. This portal works best in Chrome or Microsoft Edge, and mobile devices are not supported.

After you log in, simply fill in all the required information and pay the renewal fee. Once you’ve handled the processing fee, your final task is to save a receipt for your personal records. The Kentucky Board of Nursing license renewal fee scheduleis as follows:

• RN and LPN: $65
• APRN: $55 for each designation

Once your license is renewed, you’re ready to start applying for RN, LPN, nurse practitioner, and SRNA jobs in Kentucky.

Great Areas in Kentucky for Nursing Jobs

You can also look for opportunities in specific locations with sizable populations, such as:

• Covington
• Jeffersontown
• Lexington
• Louisville
• Owensboro

Find Top Kentucky Nursing Jobs

With your Kentucky nursing license renewal successfully checked off, it’s time to swing open the doors to thrilling career opportunities. Check out the nursing jobs in Kentucky listed on IntelyCare and find the one that best aligns with your career goals.