ICU Registered Nurse Jobs in Kentucky
ICU Registered Nurse jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, where major systems like Norton Healthcare, UK HealthCare, and Baptist Health anchor consistent hiring across the state. Demand runs strong at every level, from new graduates entering adult critical care to experienced nurses specializing in cardiovascular ICU, medical-surgical ICU, and neuro intensive care. Kentucky's growing regional hospital networks keep openings active well beyond the two largest metros. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 4 of 56+ ICU Registered Nurse jobs
Discover a healthcare career designed with you in mind at Norton Healthcare. Whether you are an upcoming New Graduate RN pursuing an ADN or BSN or are an Experienced RN, the Norton Healthcare team will walk you through career opportunities and pathways. We invite you to learn more about what it means to be a part of the Norton Healthcare family through our interactive Zoom information sessions:
As an employee, you will have access to a variety of programs to enhance your experience and well-being, including learning and career growth opportunities, an employee wellness program, employee resource groups, and volunteer opportunities.
You may be eligible for some of our programs:
- Tuition Assistance to aid with school costs.
- Relocation Assistance to help you make the Louisville Metropolitan or Southern Indiana area your new home.
- Encompass Program: Supports new graduate nurses during transition from the role of student to practicing nurse, helping them gain confidence and develop professional relationships in the process.
- Employee Referral Incentive to support your networking and help others join our team.
- Comprehensive Benefits to choose from to support your needs.
- Retention Incentive Program: Designated Units may qualify for additional incentive payments.
- No experience required for full-time or part-time positions. If PRN, must have one year of RN/LPN experience in an inpatient, acute-care setting.
- Diploma or Associate Nursing
- Registered Nurse (KY)
Discover a healthcare career designed with you in mind at Norton Healthcare. Whether you are an upcoming New Graduate RN pursuing an ADN or BSN or are an Experienced RN, the Norton Healthcare team will walk you through career opportunities and pathways. We invite you to learn more about what it means to be a part of the Norton Healthcare family through our interactive Zoom information sessions:
As an employee, you will have access to a variety of programs to enhance your experience and well-being, including learning and career growth opportunities, an employee wellness program, employee resource groups, and volunteer opportunities.
You may be eligible for some of our programs:
- Tuition Assistance to aid with school costs.
- Relocation Assistance to help you make the Louisville Metropolitan or Southern Indiana area your new home.
- Encompass Program: Supports new graduate nurses during transition from the role of student to practicing nurse, helping them gain confidence and develop professional relationships in the process.
- Employee Referral Incentive to support your networking and help others join our team.
- Comprehensive Benefits to choose from to support your needs.
- Retention Incentive Program: Designated Units may qualify for additional incentive payments.
- No experience required for full-time or part-time positions. If PRN, must have one year of RN/LPN experience in an inpatient, acute-care setting.
- Diploma or Associate Nursing
- Registered Nurse (KY)
See All 56 ICU Registered Nurse Jobs in Kentucky
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Find ICU Registered Nurse JobsICU Registered Nurse Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
ICU Registered Nurse Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- American Traveler15
- Norton Healthcare7
- Baptist Health System KY & IN6
- Vibra Travels5
- UofL Health4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in ICU registered nurse jobs across Kentucky.
- Active Registered Nurse license issued or recognized by the Kentucky Board of Nursing
- Current ACLS and BLS certifications required before independent ICU practice
- Associate or bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Minimum one year of critical care or acute care bedside experience preferred
- CCRN certification or active pursuit of it strongly preferred by most Kentucky systems
- Proficiency with ventilator management, hemodynamic monitoring, and vasoactive drip titration
ICU Registered Nurse Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a icu registered nurse in Kentucky?
You become an icu registered nurse in Kentucky by first earning an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program, then passing the NCLEX-RN exam and applying for licensure through the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Kentucky participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses licensed in other compact states can often practice without obtaining a separate Kentucky license. From there, most ICU positions require completing a hospital-based critical care orientation or residency.
How much do ICU registered nurses make in Kentucky?
ICU registered nurses in Kentucky earn a median of about $81,040 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $64,170 for the lowest 10% to over $111,750 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire icu registered nurses in Kentucky?
Companies currently hiring icu registered nurses in Kentucky include American Traveler, Norton Healthcare, and Baptist Health System KY & IN, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Kentucky's largest hospital systems, including regional medical centers affiliated with major academic and faith-based networks, tend to post the most consistent ICU volume across the state.
Which Kentucky cities have the most icu registered nurse jobs?
Louisville, Somerset, and Lexington have the most icu registered nurse openings in Kentucky. Louisville leads because it hosts the state's largest hospital systems and a dense cluster of specialty and trauma centers, while Lexington's volume is driven by UK HealthCare and its affiliated medical campus, and smaller cities on the list typically reflect regional medical centers serving surrounding rural communities.
Are there remote icu registered nurse jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. ICU nursing is an inherently hands-on bedside role, so the large majority of positions require on-site presence in a hospital or critical care unit. About 0% of icu registered nurse openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions are almost exclusively in tele-ICU monitoring or case management rather than direct patient care.
How can I get hired as a icu registered nurse in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is applying directly to a new-graduate nurse residency program at a Kentucky hospital system. Norton Healthcare and UK HealthCare both run structured residency cohorts that include critical care rotations designed for nurses with limited acute care background. Candidates who have completed clinical hours in a hospital ICU setting and hold current ACLS certification gain a clear edge. Starting in a step-down or progressive care unit is also a common route into a full ICU role at Kentucky community hospitals.
Where can I find and apply to icu registered nurse jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to icu registered nurse jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Kentucky employers. Search the listings, find the roles that match your experience and credentials, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 56 ICU Registered Nurse Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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