Nurse Clinical/New Grad Core/UKHC

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY is seeking a new graduate acute care nurse. You will apply the nursing process to care for and counsel patients, promote health, prevent illness, and support transitions of care within a collaborative healthcare team.

The role requires BSN, active RN licensure, and willingness to work three 12-hour shifts per week, with some weekends and holidays. This is a full-time staff position in the UK HealthCare Enterprise.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Maslow’s Basic Human Needs and Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns Frame Work.
• Strong direct patient care and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient in basic computer navigation and internet use.
• Professional, respectful communication with patients and staff.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and delegation skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply the nursing process in caring for and counseling patients.
• Promote health, prevent illness and injury, and support transitions of care.
• Coordinate and manage nursing care with patients, families, and the healthcare team.

Skills

Maslow Needs

Gordon Patterns

Swanson Caring

Direct patient care

Education

BSN

Tools

Computer navigation

Internet use

Job description

Department Name H3270:Nursing Practice and Support Services

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 10

Salary Range

Salary Range $28.00-39.10/hour

Type of Position

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

BSN

Required Related Experience

No experience required.

Required License/Registration/Certification

Active Kentucky Registered Nurse (RN) license, Temporary Work Permit ( TWP ), Provisional License or active compact state Registered Nurse (RN) license that is in good standing and American Heart Association ( AHA ) Basic Life Support certification for the Healthcare Provider valid for at least 6 months after employment date.

Physical Requirements

The essential functions for this position include the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50-100 pounds on a daily basis and 25-50 pounds frequently; as well as stand, walk and sit for long periods of time. The conditions of work may involve exposure to communicable diseases, hazards of radiation, and injury from intractable patients or sharp instruments.

Shift

Must be able to work three, 12-hour shifts per week; will also be required to work some weekend and holidays.

Job Summary

In the new graduate acute care core program, nurses will apply the nursing process in caring for and counseling individuals, promoting health, preventing illness and injury, and supporting transitions of care. This includes using a systematic, critical-thinking approach to guide data collection, assessment, clinical judgment, intervention, and evaluation of human responses to actual or potential health issues. Care is delivered through health teaching, counseling, and restorative support. As part of the acute core, nurses will care for patients within the UK HealthCare Enterprise at Good Samaritan and Chandler Hospitals. Has the ability to adapt to unpredictable situations within the work setting. Position will be committed to coordinating and managing all aspects of nursing care in a timely, cost-effective manner, in collaboration with patients, families, and the healthcare team. Furthermore, this environment supports collaborative efforts among the nursing staff and the team of physicians to increase communication and enhance expected patient outcomes. This includes utilization of the nursing process in conjunction with a comprehensive patient-centered plan of care, ensuring patient satisfaction.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

The ideal candidate will have the following: knowledge of Maslow’s eight Basic Human Needs and the priority within Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns Frame Work as well as Swanson’s Caring model; superb direct patient care and critical thinking skills; basic computer navigation skills and working knowledge of the internet; ability to communicate in a professional and respectful manner with patients and their families, co-workers and physicians; and strong organizational, prioritization, and delegation skill. The candidate will be highly motivated, pro-active and confident in advocating for patients and their family members. Will also enjoy working in a strong team environment and provides open, honest communication with fellow staff and physicians. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical skills and a proven ability to work in a team as well as independently.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/15/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.