UK HealthCare Career Center

The UK HealthCare Career Center is available to all permanent, non-travel UK HealthCare nurses, advanced practice providers (APPs), nurse leaders, Nursing Care Technicians (NCTs), UK College of Nursing students and other UK HealthCare licensed professionals including OTs, PTs, SLPs, Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists, Radiologic Technologists, etc. Whether you are looking for your first healthcare position, or fifth, or applying to graduate school, or for a promotion, we offer assistance for all phases of your career.

Career Center Services

  • One-on-one, confidential career coaching and exploration.
  • Résumé and curriculum vitae critique and preparation.
  • Critique and preparation of cover letters.
  • Interview strategies and practice interviews.
  • Exploration of educational options, including graduate offerings, degree completion and more.
  • Personal statements and setting goals.
  • A robust web page with the latest information on preparing for an interview, applying to graduate school, updating and strengthening a resume and cover letter, and much, much more.
  • Career Center Lunch & Learn workshops
  • An annual education fair featuring 25-plus health-science and nursing programs offering degrees and certifications in health informatics, public health, hospital administration, exercise science, epidemiology, and more

Career services for nurses and licensed health professionals such as OT, PT, PA, Pharmacists, Radiologic Technologists, etc. are available via Zoom, in person, by phone or through email. Please schedule your 1:1 career coaching appointment with Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN here: https://calendly.com/shstru2

Announcements

Since 2011, the UK HealthCare Career Center and career service offerings have been available to all licensed UK professionals such as nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, occupational and physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, pharmacists, radiologic technologists, and laboratory scientists.

Over the past 13-plus years, career services has assisted thousands of healthcare professionals grow professionally and educationally and find fulfilling leadership and career opportunities.

If you are a UK HealthCare administrator, staff member, nursing care technician, medical assistant, surgical technologist, or mental health associate and are interested in advancing your career, please reach out to:

Rebecca Dyer, Career Development Consultant
UK Human Resources, Training and Development
Mandrell Hall
635 S. Limestone
Lexington, KY 40506
Email: Rebecca.Dyer@uky.edu

2024 UK HealthCare Nursing and Health Sciences Education Fair

Thursday, November 14, 2024
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
New Location: Kentucky Children's Hospital 1st Floor, HA 1116 

If you were not able to attend the 2024 Nursing and Health Sciences Education Fair to start on a degree (e.g., LPN, ADN, BSN, DNP, MSN, MS, DPT, DOT, BS degree completion, etc.) please reach out to the 25 college and graduate school Reps, faculty and Program Directors that attended. The UK HealthCare tuition and scholarship experts were also there to answer any questions including UK HealthCare Enterprise Scholarship, SRNA scholarship, NCLEX and loan repayment program, and UK Employee Education Program (EEP), Family Education Program (FEP).

Download the PDF below for contact information of academic advisors and program directors that attended, as well as a list of schools, education programs, tuition and scholarships.

2024 Education Fair Directory (PDF, 183 KB)

UK BSN students

If you are a UK BSN student, you will want to take advantage of the weekly group sessions. These are offered during the fall and spring semesters, as well as during the summer.  To sign up, please email Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN at sue.strup@uky.edu. 

Group resume and cover letter writing sessions: These group sessions are available from noon – 1 p.m. almost every Monday. Email an updated draft of your resume and cover letter to Sue H. Strup at sue.strup@uky.edu. You can have your questions answered and leave with a critique worksheet to help you fine-tune your resume for your upcoming job search. This information will also include out-of-state job searches and how to develop a targeted resume for various specialty nursing positions, such as pediatrics, emergency department, ICUs or oncology.

Group interviewing strategies sessions: These group sessions meet from 1 – 2 p.m. almost every Monday. You will discuss interview etiquette, how to dress for success, how to prepare to answer standard interview questions (e.g., tell me about yourself, why do you want to work in the ED), how to answer behavioral-based interview (BBI) questions, what questions you will want to ask a patient care nurse manager and much more.

Please email Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN, at sue.strup@uky.edu the date and group you would like to attend. These groups are offered via Zoom only.   

Current Job Openings

View current UK Job Postings for all UK HealthCare nurses, nurse administrators, Nursing Care Technicians (NCTs), UK College of Nursing students and UK HealthCare staff members. We offer assistance for all phases of a career.

Summer Student Nurse Programs (After the Junior Year)

Summer student nurse programs are structured programs for BSN students in between the junior and senior year that will typically last 6-10 weeks. Academic credit may be offered for the experience as well as financial compensation. Some summer programs may have a theme (e.g. pediatrics, critical care, etc.), while most are more general, allowing you to get experience in multiple types of nursing settings. Many students enjoy summer programs because they help clarify future nursing career goals, and often lead to a nursing care technician position, which may lead to a full-time RN position after graduation.

Summer student nurse programs are usually competitive. It is recommended that you do a summer job search or plan to continue any student nurse positions you already have in addition to applying to summer nurse externship programs. There are many names for summer nurse externship positions including nurse externships, nurse internships, nurse academic practicums, nursing student fellows program, etc. Applying for summer student nurse programs include writing a professional cover letter and resume, and completing the applications in their entirety and supplying the required number of recommendation letters.

The majority of hospitals in the country do not offer nurse externships but many Academic Medical Centers such as UK HealthCare, Indiana University Health, University of Louisville Hospitals, etc., do. Other hospitals hire nursing students as nursing care technicians, nurse's aides, nursing assistants, etc. For many hospitals with nurse externship programs, starting in the externship is a way to make connections that may lead to a full time position after graduation. Deadlines are also specific to each hospital, with most applications due in mid winter quarter for a summer program.

Here are just a small sample of Nurse Externships/Academic Practicums/Internships/Nurse Fellowships that we found:

Continuing Education

UK HealthCare and the College of Nursing offer many options for continuing education including the residency program, the only one in the state and one of only a few in the country to be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Review all our educational opportunities by visiting Nurse Recruitment and the College of Nursing. 

Career Planning Series

During the academic year, the UK HealthCare Career Center hosts various health care and nursing workshops to assist in career planning. Speakers share educational programs and career-related information. Workshops are typically held on the third or fourth Thursday of each month, unless otherwise noted, and last approximately 45 minutes, which includes time for Q&A.

To register to attend a Lunch and Learn, please contact Sue H. Strup at sue.strup@uky.edu.

The Fall 2024 Lunch and Learn workshop schedule is below:

Thursday, August 29, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Changes and Updates to the Nursing Professional Advancement (NPA) Ladder: An Overview, Changes and New Updates
Hosted by the Professional Development Council

Speakers

Shawnda Osborne, BSN, OCN, NCTTP
Nursing Professional Advancement (NPA) Committee Facilitator

Naomi North, BSN
NPA Chairperson

The lunch and learn will discuss all of the changes to the NPA including constructing the NPA portfolio focusing on the tools provided in the packet. We will discuss what the NPA committee is looking for when reviewing the portfolio. We will also discuss writing a good exemplar and literature review.

Thursday, September 26, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

The Clinical Nurse Specialists- Who We Are and What We Do

Speakers

Paula Halcomb, DNP APRN, ACNS-BC, FCNS, TCRN
Trauma Emergency General and Solid Organ Transplant Surgical Services

Chris Slaughter, DNP, CCRN, CCNS, CV-BC
Cardiovascular Acute/Progressive and Central Monitoring Station

Courtney Weekley, DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, RNC-OB, C-ONQS
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Birthing Center

The speakers will discuss the role of the CNS here at UK HealthCare, the academic preparation required for the role, and how the CNS influences patient outcomes directly and indirectly as well as organizational culture and nursing practice.

Thursday, October 31, 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

UK Graduate Nursing Program Overview including the MSN in Healthcare Systems Leadership, DNP, Ph.D. and Post-Master of Science in Nursing programs
Hosted by: UK College of Nursing Graduate Programs

Speakers

Debra Hampton, Ph.D., MSN, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, CENP, Assistant Dean of MSN and DNP Program Studies, Coordinator Graduate Leadership Programs and Associate Professor, UK College of Nursing, and Kathy Collins, Student Services Officer, UK College of Nursing Graduate Programs

The speakers will present an overview of all the UK College of Nursing Graduate programs including the MSN in Healthcare Systems Leadership, DNP and the many advanced practice tracks, the Ph.D. and Post-Master of Science in Nursing programs. Also will be discussed will be admission requirements, the application process including deadlines, the interview process and utilizing your UK Employee Education Program (EEP) tuition benefits to pay for your education.

Thursday, November 14, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

UK HealthCare Nursing and Health Sciences Education Fair
NEW Location: Kentucky Children's Hospital Room HA 1116 (located behind the KCH gift shop)

Meet with more than 25 educational programs, colleges and graduate schools with various degree completion programs including BS degree completion, LPN to ADN Bridge, ADN options, RN to BSN, MSN in Advanced Practice, MSN - Nurse Educator, MSN - FNP, DNP - APRN, DNP - CRNA, DNP in Executive Leadership and Ph.D. options and post-masters certifications.

Also attending will be graduate programs for OTs, Respiratory Therapists, Radiologic Technologists, and much more.

The UK HealthCare tuition and scholarship program offices will also be present to discuss how UK employees can utilize EEP, FEP, or the newly expanded Enterprise Scholarship Tuition Program to get their tuition expenses covered.

Thursday, December 19, 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Technician Advancement Program (TAP): How Can a NCT, MA, Mental Health Associate, Surgical Tech, and others Advance in their Careers? 
Hosted by the Technician Advancement Council

Speakers

Jessica Fullerton, CPT, and Tiffany Hardin, CPT  
Technician Advancement Program (TAP) Chair

The lunch and learn will discuss the Technician Advancement Program (TAP), whom is eligible to apply, application tips and resources, and what it means to advance.

To review past Lunch and Learn presentations on RN to BSN programs, Advanced Practice Nursing Programs, "Hot" Nursing Careers, Nursing Career Specialties, Career Planning Tools such as Writing a Resume, Cover Letter or Interviewing Tips and more, please visit: Past Lunch and Learn workshop presentations

Certifications

Visit our Nursing Certifications page for more information.

Other Nursing Programs

See the listing of all CRNA schools.

Other Health Careers

UK Majors, Graduate Programs and Certificates

Learn about other available health career opportunities:

General School Entrance Examinations and Test Preparation

Graduate School Applications

Financing Your Education

UK Employee Education Program (EEP) and Family Education Program (FEP)

The UK Employee Education Program (EEP) (HR Policy and Procedure #51) and the Family Education Program (FEP) is a benefit that all UK employees receive starting the first day of your orientation.

The University waives the tuition for regular employees with a regular full-time equivalent (FTE) of 0.75 or greater when taking UK classes. In addition, the University recognizes the need to offer educational benefits to a dependent of employees.  

For more information, click here. If you have additional questions re: UK EEP or FEP, please email Aneya Hardin-Carter at edubenefits@uky.edu. 

Nursing Tuition Contract

UK HealthCare Nursing Fiscal Affairs offers RNs and LPNs that are interested in obtaining additional education (e.g., LPN to ADN, MSN in Midwifery, MSN in Advanced Practice, MSN in Nursing Education) from a non-UK program can apply for the Nursing Tuition Contract.

To receive a copy of the tuition contract, email Andrea Wright in Hospital Fiscal Affairs at hospitalpayments@uky.edu. If you have any questions regarding these policies or procedures, please contact Andrea Wright at hospitalpayments@uky.edu.

NEW Enterprise Scholarship Program Policy (Policy # A01-205) 

For community members, UK staff and employees interested in pursuing an AAS, BS, and MS degrees in the following health science, nursing, or laboratory science areas: medical assisting, radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, biotechnology lab technician, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN-2 year degree), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN-4 year degree), LPN training program, Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology or a Master of Science, pathology assistant. This scholarship program supports the education of students interested in full-time employment at UK HealthCare upon graduation.

Click here to learn more.

P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education

P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization founded in 1869. P.E.O. is where women motivate, educate, and celebrate women. This mission furthers women’s education through scholarships, grants, and loans. Click here for information regarding the eligibility and application process for educational financial support.

A potential candidate must have a P.E.O. chapter recommendation to apply.

Scholarship Universe (SU)

Scholarship Universe (SU) is an online scholarship platform that matches UK students to relevant, vetted external scholarship opportunities, as well as internal scholarships offered by the university. Each external scholarship opportunity a student sees on SU has gone through an extensive vetting process to ensure the scholarship is offered through a reliable and authentic source.

SU is available for currently enrolled UK students and admitted prospective students who have a UK linkblue account. Students can login to complete the student profile and search and apply for external and internal scholarship opportunities. The external scholarship opportunities are available through sources outside of the University of Kentucky.

Please note: If you are attending a non-UK educational program, check to see if your college or university participates in Scholarship Universe.

 

Resource Areas

Job Search and Networking Websites

Professional Associations

Learn about the benefits of joining a professional nursing association. 

Other Resources

Career Planning Tools

Career planning and job search

Resume, Cover Letter, and Job Search Strategies for Nursing Students (Video, 54:42)

Career Planning Presentation for Nurse Residents (PDF, 2.3 MB)
Job Searching Strategies (PDF, 113 KB)
Preparing for a Nursing Job or Career Fair (PDF, 119.91 KB)

Out of State Job Search Strategies

Job Search Action Plan Guide

How to Utilize AI and Protect Your Personal Information While Job Searching (UK ITS interview with Amy Gamblin, Associate Director of Alumni Career Services, University of Kentucky)

Resume and CV guides

Resume Guide and Sample Resumes Presentation

Curriculum Vitae Format 
Recommended for nurses and health professionals i.e., OT, PT, SLP, Respiratory Therapy, etc. that are applying for faculty, research and leadership positions)

Family Nurse Practitioner Resume Example
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Resume Example
Chronological Resume Example
Experienced RN Resume with Clinical Leadership Focus
Nursing Student Resume Example
Experienced RN Resume Example
Experienced RN Seeking Management Positions Resume Example
Nursing Student Resume with Clinicals
Nursing Student Resume with a Targeted Focus
Nursing Care Technician Resume for non-nursing students
Experienced Health Professional with Leadership
Experienced RN resume with clinical cardiac focus

Cover Letter Guide

Cover Letter Guide
Recent Graduate Cover Letter
Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter

Interview tips and strategies

Interview Skills and Strategies for Nursing Students (Video, 51:45)

Mock Interview Advice & Tips (Video, 17:23)

Interview Guide / Information Presentation

Are you ready for your big interview? Checklist

Dress for Success

A Career Closet for Students - Wildcat Wardrobe

Informational Interview and Networking

Behavioral Based Interview Question Examples 

Thank you letter

Preparing a thank you letter

Preparing letters of recommendation

Preparing References: Reference template and a Sample reference letter.

Preparing a letter of resignation

Resignation letter 

Certified Nurse's Aide

If you are interested in becoming a UK HealthCare Nursing Care Technician and working at the bedside in one of our three hospitals, the SRNA is required. If you are interested in applying to Medical Assistant (MA) positions in any of our ambulatory clinics, the SRNA is NOT required.

You may be interested in becoming a Certified Nurse's Aide (SRNA) or Nursing Assistant while you are in nursing school to gain valuable skills while working under the guidance of a Registered Nurse. This also will allow you to network and establish a relationship with potential coworkers and professionals.

There are various titles for Nurse's Aide including Nursing Care Technicians (NCTs), Nurse's Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Nurse Assistant. Employers such as academic medical centers like UK HealthCare, hospitals, home health care agencies, doctor's offices, laboratories, clinics or skilled nursing facilities hire nurse's aides.

Below are just a few of the Nurse's Aide educational programs offered in Kentucky, and in particular Lexington, Richmond and Louisville. The length of time and price will vary so it is imperative that you visit each program's website or call the program directly to find out availability, cost and online versus traditional courses. Once you have successfully completed a Kentucky state-approved training program, you will be eligible to sit for the Nurse's Aide Certification exam.

Find more information about becoming State Registered Nursing Assistant (SRNA) certified or the role of a Nurse's Aide.

THE SRNA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM THROUGH UK HEALTHCARE NURSE RECRUITMENT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. BUT HERE ARE TWO OTHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND UK EMPLOYEES:

UK College of Nursing SRNA Training and Scholarship Program - for more information email Denise Welch, Education Coordinator, Denise.Welch@uky.edu. For more information: https://www.uky.edu/nursing/professional-development/state-registered-nurse-aide

UK HealthCare SRNA Career Program - For more information email Madison Stephens, mest297@uky.edu. To access the application, please click here: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/462178


Here are a sample of SRNA courses in Central Kentucky: 
University of Kentucky College of Nursing

Bluegrass Community and Technical College System (BCTCS)

Emergency Medical Training Professions, Lexington. 
859-455-8438 
(Traditional SRNA courses offered during the week and on Saturdays)

Health Education Center of Louisville (online courses)
502-510-1363

KY Health Training LLC
859-963-2901 
(Traditional SRNA courses offered as well as online courses)

Nurses Aide Training School, Inc, Richmond, Ky.
(online and traditional course) 
859-624-4068

If you are interested in finding Nurse's Aide programs in rural or remote areas outside of Lexington, please email: KYNurseAideTraining@kctcs.edu.

License and Renewal

The National Student Nurses Association offers help for preparing for licensure as a registered nurse.

The Kentucky Board of Nursing provides information about obtaining RN licensing, renewing a license plus other educational programs to finish your BSN, start back on your MSN, DNP and more. 

Shadowing Program

Shadowing professionals can be beneficial in deciding whether you’re a good fit for a career or workplace. Career Services provides the names of professionals who are willing to speak with others about their careers and experiences.

These individuals include:

  • Nurse administrators
  • Clinical nurse specialists (Acute care or Ambulatory care)
  • Nurse practitioners (Acute care or Ambulatory care)
  • Nurse educators (Staff development specialists, nurse educators or college faculty)
  • Nurse researchers
  • Nurses specializing in settings such as the operating room, PACU, ED, ICU, Behavioral Health, etc.
  • Nurse recruiters
  • Nurse anesthetists (CRNA)
  • Pharmaceutical and medical equipment sales representatives
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapists
  • Respiratory Therapists
  • Pharmacists

See shadowing details »

If you are a nurse or health care professional with a specialization and would be interested in having a UK HealthCare nurse, nursing student or health care professional shadow you, please complete the form below.

Shadowing contact form »

Location

UK HealthCare Career Center
Waller Healthcare Annex, Suite 108
115 Waller Avenue
Lexington KY 40508
Call 859-323-3169 
Email sue.strup@uky.edu
Schedule an appointment with me via Calendly

Mailing Address

UK HealthCare Career Center
Waller Healthcare Annex, Suite 108
115 Waller Avenue
Lexington KY 40508

Hours of operation: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays  

8:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
(By appointment only—8:00 a.m. appointments held for those who work the night shift before.)

Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN

UK Senior Career Consultant Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN
UK Senior Career Consultant Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN

UK Senior Career Consultant Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN, leads the center. Strup has more than 25 years of experience directing career centers at UK, Drexel University and Thomas Jefferson University. Prior to her work in career services, Strup served as a cardiac intensive care nurse at Indiana University Medical Center and as a nursing research assistant at the IU School of Nursing. She has taught hundreds of career planning workshops and seminars, led numerous presentations, and authored many career-related articles and publications.

To set up a one-to-one career coaching appointment, ask quick questions or discuss resume critiques and last-minute interview tips, contact Sue H. Strup, MSEd, MSN at sue.strup@uky.edu or 859-323-3169. You may also schedule an appointment with me via Calendly.

“Recently I had the opportunity to work with Sue Strup. I met Sue many years ago when I was accepted to the Leader in Training program that Dr. Kathy Isaacs and Dr. Patty Howard led. Since that time, I have always thought so highly of her and what she offers to UK nursing students and employees.

“Recently, I applied for a HOA position and utilized her services for resume review and interview preparation. I cannot speak highly enough of Sue and the assistance she gave me. I left her office feeling very confident and prepared for the interview marathon I had ahead of me. She gave me so many helpful tips that I could utilize during the month-long process. I have told my coworkers for years that she is a hidden gem at UK HealthCare. I always promote her and advise others to see her for career-related things. This experience once again proved that advice is spot-on.”

Amy M. Teague, MBA, MSN, RN, CCRN-CSC, Staff Nurse, Cardiovascular Service Line- CVICU NPA-Platinum Level, University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital