graduate researcher

registered nurse

research assistant

clinical nurse

assistant professor

University of Kentucky

Firstly, the University as a whole is a good place to work and the benefits are fantastic.

The physical plant however,  is highly dysfunctional. The Division VP is petty and hyper critical without providing alternative direction.  The VP while great “on stage” is not well regarded by the staff generally. Also in part, because the VP ignores significant operational issues with the physical plant human resource department, financial reporting structure, and budgeting and capitalization. The standard answer to every problem is ultimately “waiting on the division VP.”

On average, takes 6 months for physical plant HR  to process corrective counseling, promotions, hiring/terminations/transfers. the Physical Plant HR Department arbitrarily and capriciously interprets employee policy, often at odds with university policy. Employees are able to be physically violent and threatening to coworkers. HR purposefully refuses to act.  Recently, HR told several employees that if they felt unsafe, they should look elsewhere out side the university for work. Several associate directors confronted the VP In 2016 and they where told there was “a plan”. Nothing has been done.  Employees are literally held hostage by the actions of hr.  The joke amongst the front facing staff is that in order to be compliant with HR, do the opposite of what the university handbook says. HR in reality runs the Physical Plant. 

There are only Maybe a dozen members of the physical plant staff that can accurately interpret the division financial reports. Even the associate directors and the VP must consult with the financial staff for basic determinations.   The reports are so vague and arbitrary that an formal audit is likely necessary. No to cast aspersions on the financial staff but, in a public institution, financials should be completely transparent and easy to manage.  

There has been no serious capital replenishment program for 20 years. The average age of physical plant vehicles is 20 years.  Vehicles and equipment are perpetually failing and when a recent truck frame cracked in two, the physical plant shop was told to “weld is back together”. There is another delivery truck that is traveling around town with illegal split rims.hopefully, the police don’t pull someone over.   The joke is that someone will need to die before the VP and the administration actually acts to provide safe and operable vehicles and equipment. If the university Risk Management only knew how unsafe things are...  

University  grounds equipment on average, is over  25 years old.  Replacement parts are unavailable so, the shop is forced to scavenge similar automotive parts and fabricate mounting brackets. Equipment is unsafe, and unreliable. Often times, the shop takes old street signs to make vehicle floor boards and uses duct tape and paint to cover large rusted out body panels.  The grounds department is able to accomplish what they do, despite the support they receive not, because of it. 

If the Physical Plant ever hopes to obtain and sustain a high level of service, the division leadership needs to change and the administration must invest in the capital necessary to provide safe and efficient vehicles and equipment.

The MCC-CRO is complete buffoonery. There was little to absolutely no training starting in but quick disciplinary action if mistakes occurred. The CRA's in my department on average conducted 15-20 oncology trials and out of various clinics. This was an absurd amount of work for one CRA, but the average stay for a new hire was about 6 months. By the time new CRA's learned some of the complicated protocols, they transferred out or relocated somewhere else, which increased the workload of the rest of us. 

Although the majority of the PI's were very supportive, there was no support by management or clinical lead to be an advocate for the CRA's in the CRO. For every deviation, the CRA's would have to present themselves in front of a board of Data Safety Monitoring Committee's. Be it a missed BP, a lab, height, or weight, we would have to present ourselves as to why these occurred. It was as though we were always on trial. At one point we were so severely understaffed that the Director of the department had to cover a CRA that went on maternity leave. When her patient showed up at clinic for study drug, the Director opened an account in another CRA's name that had left our department and dispensed it through an online system using her identity. Both CRA's were RN's. When it was time for him to report to DSMC as to why he dispensed drug under another employee's name, the DSMC meeting was a "closed" meeting, meaning that it was just him and the board. No disciplinary action happened to him, but if it were one of us, immediate termination a lose of license would have proceeded. He had his HR privileges revoked, only because they gave him an assistant and he received a $13,000 raise. 

The hardest part of the job was being able to manage so many protocols with multiple PI's and in multiple clinics and precepting new employees at the same time. If you had a patient scheduled to come for assessments and chemo, you may get paged to consent another patient or multiple patients in another clinic that could be in another building. We had no backup system which meant that you had to ask a CRA in our department if they could drop what they were doing in order to help you. Management was informed about this, but never found solutions, nor was very concerned. 

The MCC-CRO is a mess. I spent the majority of the first 6 months cleaning up patient charts from previous coordinators. I know that it happens everywhere, but the amount of mess was obscene. It's no wonder though. Being understaffed, having no backup, 21 complicated oncology protocols and no support from management, one could understand why data wasn't entered for months or years in this case. The list goes on and on, but the main point is, do not work there.

*  Setting up school clubs, answering emails and phone calls, filling out data and reports, organizing schedules and arranging classes with the Kenton County teachers and administration.

*  Preparing for school enrichment classes, special project classes, or any other event I was currently engaged with. This also included shopping for supplies, booking the areas for each class or event, and advertising and promotion.

*  Going out to all Kenton County Schools daily to teach enrichment classes...Visited as many as five to six classes a day.  Roughly 800 youth visited each month. This was the prime focus of this job, although I exceeded the amount of youth required and classes I was expected to teach.

*  Late afternoon, back to office (Kenton County Extension Service) for community clubs, or to create fliers/programs/brochures, project classes, i.e.  Leadership clubs, Drama clubs, Entrepreneur Clubs, Craft Classes.

The County and State Fairs were also a big part of my job...Promoting entries, helping to set up, and also helping to take all items to the State Fair.  I also participated in Country Ham Speech judging at the State Fair each year. (Listening and judging nearly 90 speeches presented by 4-H Youth)

I was also responsible to assist or set up special events, such as Communication Events-once again judging and listening to over 200 speeches in our elementary and middle schools. Fashion Reviews for our 4-H sewing classes, County Variety Shows, Leadership Fall Festivals, Drama Club Presentations, overnight Leadership conference and much more over the ten years I was employed by the University. 


This was a job where I had to be ready for anything anytime.  I needed to be proficient in flexibility and  wear many hats during the day... my phone was often on many times after hours.  

I grew very strong in writing skills, computer design work, communication skills, and organizational skills. 

My co workers were like family. I developed long lasting relationships and in fact remain friends with my direct supervisor to this day.  

This was a very intense, never stopping position.  I was willing to use much of my own time to prepare for classes, take phone calls, or do community service.  It did not allow me to do some of the things I would have like to done for myself.  That is why I am now interested in part-time hours.

The money was not particularly good, I went several years without raises.  There was no advancement without a particular degree.

I stayed as long as I did because I felt like I was making a difference in many young people's lives.  I felt like I had a lot to offer the company and I gave wholeheartedly.

The most enjoyable part of this job was working with the kids and becoming friends with all the volunteers I worked with on a regular bases.

I really enjoyed my job as a Phlebotomy technician sometimes it got Really stressful but  that is pretty much  how any job can be. I got to meet A lot of great people and help the doctors Treat there patients, which gave me a nice feeling of accomplishment after every work shift. My job Started with Clocking in Saying hello to my coworkers and putting together a plan with them, on which would be the quickest most efficient way of tackling the large amount of patients that Needed Blood tests Ran. I would then Bring my PDA which contained Every patient i needed to collect Blood samples from and via Doctors Orders placed into the system. it would continually update with more blood test needed drawn from more patients, As well As what type of (Evacuated Tubes) or "Blood collection tubes" i needed to collect. I have drawn blood from patients Arms,legs even feet I was/am A Highly skilled Phlebotomist and am proud of it, Many times i was Requested by the patients themselves to have me alone draw there blood which made me feel very good about my skills as a Phlebotomist. If The ER Nurses could not get the blood samples from there patients, they would request a Phlebotomist like myself to get it for them. Also as a Phlebotomist i played a huge role in helping people get feeling better And That is a nice feeling. Management was not the best but they tried really hard And were Very friendly and sweet to me. Pay in my opinion should be higher then it is especially with the amount of risk of disease and accidental needle sticks that could happen anytime with the less mentally healthy patients on The psychiatric floor of the hospital. The most stressful part of the job was The emergency blood draws, due to the room being full of what seems like 15+ nurses/doctors/Nurse care techs. with that much body heat in one room you really sweat, also the possibility of not getting the blood is always there at all times no matter how skilled you are in Phlebotomy.

A typical day at work: A typical shift involves caring for 1–3 premature or critically ill babies requiring continuous monitoring, medications, feeding support, respiratory care, and detailed documentation. The pace is fast, and patient needs can change suddenly, requiring rapid response to emergencies. Parent support is also a key part of the role, which adds emotional responsibility alongside clinical tasks.

What you believe you learned: I developed strong critical care nursing skills, improved my ability to recognise early signs of deterioration, and gained experience with ventilators, CPAP, IV lines, and neonatal medications. I also learned how to communicate with distressed families and work closely within a multidisciplinary team under pressure.

Management: Immediate colleagues were supportive, but overall management often seemed disconnected from the daily pressures on the unit. Staffing levels did not always reflect patient acuity, and concerns about workload and burnout were not consistently addressed.

Workplace culture: Teamwork among nurses was a positive aspect, as staff relied on each other during stressful situations. However, the environment could feel tense due to workload pressures, and morale was often low because of understaffing and limited breaks.

The hardest part of the job:The emotional strain of caring for very sick babies, combined with high workload and insufficient staffing, made shifts physically and mentally exhausting. Managing critical situations while also keeping up with documentation was particularly challenging.

The most enjoyable part of the job: Seeing babies improve and go home with their families was incredibly rewarding. Supporting parents through difficult times and working with skilled colleagues also made the role meaningful despite the challenges.

My time at University, just over 11 years, was a wonderful experience.  My typical day would start off early before Patients would arrive and I would set up our Outpatient Clinic to run efficiently and for the best possible experience for not only our Outpatients coming in for diagnostic testing but also for all of my fellow staff family.  I learned that TEAM work is so important, working as a whole helps keep communication and high standards as tools to give our  Patients the best possible care and experience.  Management was amazing and truly kept our feedback and unity work as a ongoing theme.  Employees knew they were an important part of decision making.  U of K has consistantly grown with the need to provide the highest in healthcare regardless of gender, race, culture and monetary status, thereby reaching a larger target of Service to those in the community.  The hardest part of the job would be keeping up with the ever growing numbers of Patients with Staff ratio, so that high quality care is shared easily and effectively.  The most enjoyable part of the job was working with my fellow Staff members, they were awesome.  The Patients were the ultimate part of enjoyment because it allowed me to be of Service to others.  I felt that I was an important part of that care.

This is a learning environment.  No matter what position you hold, Something about patient care can always be learned.  The benefits are great.  I went without corrective lens of my choosing for quite some time.  the VA would provide them (I was grateful) , UK Healthcare provided insurance for contacts and frames of my choice.  I had to save money to get frames.  The job provides great benefits.  My job however, offers NO growth or expansion.  

I enjoy the people I work with most of all.  We are a team.  Over the years, we have learned to depend on one another and bond.  I can always work over-time.  Workers are always needed.  The CSO department is great.  If you are a worker and dependable, it is no problem getting hours at UK Healthcare.  

Everyone benefits from the company's success and accomplishments.  There is an excellent employee recognition system.  I was really touched and impressed by it.  I was recognized after 5 years of employment.  I can't remember any job ever making such a big deal over my employment.  I got a book, a gift and lots of employees' love.  My manage was a big part of the comments.  

The work is sometimes stressful, because we do such a high volume of healthcare.  That high volume pays my bills, helped me to straighten my teeth, provides benefits  and allows me and my animals to be a striving family.   It's not a perfect place...but it's dang CLOSE.  

THANKS UK Healthcare.

Organic Chemistry recitation section is one hour before labs, at 1 PM; so I arrive 45 minutes before the students arrive to make sure all materials are laid out. Any reagents that need to be made, I do at that time, or it has already been made at an earlier date, by me, prior to the lab date. All the TAs rotate who teaches the recitation section prior to convening in the lab.

I learned that having a firm structure can make instructing the labs a facile experience. The recitation teaching materials were already created by our lab coordinator. As TAs we just pretty much follow the   PowerPoints. The quizzes were created by our lab coordinator also, so our only outside job requirements were to grade the labs and quizzes. There's no need to re-invent the wheel here.

I really enjoyed working with my fellow TAs. They were very thoughtful and gave a rookie like me great advice to instructing the labs.

The hardest part of the job is grading the lab reports. They can be pretty long and overly detail oriented. All the TAs met with our coordinator once a week to go over how the labs would be graded, and I found the meeting necessary to figure out what needs to be spelled out in a lab report.

The most enjoyable part of the job was getting paid. When you are on your feet for four hours, you want the remuneration.

I recently had the opportunity to work at SOA, and I can confidently say it has been one of the best job experiences of my career. From day one, the supportive environment made me feel valued and welcomed. The management team truly prioritizes employee well-being, encouraging open communication and feedback, which fosters a culture of trust.

The job itself is incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to engage in meaningful projects that align with my interests and skills. I appreciate the emphasis on creativity and innovation, which makes each day exciting and dynamic. My colleagues are not just coworkers; they are a team that collaborates seamlessly, celebrating each other’s successes and offering support during challenges.

Additionally, the company invests in professional development, providing numerous opportunities for training and growth. This commitment to employee advancement is evident in the clear career paths laid out for us.

Work-life balance is another standout aspect; flexible hours and remote work options help me maintain a healthy personal life. Overall, my experience at [Company Name] has exceeded my expectations, making it a truly great place to work. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a fulfilling and supportive work environment.





I am a Office Assistant at the College of Dentistry so I check-out patients who have appts. I also schedule evaluation appts and surgeries. I love my job and the fact that I can come in contact with many different people and can help them. The hardest part of my job is that sometimes we can get super busy and I have to learn to pace myself. The most important task about patient care is patient confidentiality. You have to make sure that you are communicating with the right person and no information of the patients is shared. Sometimes this can be a hard task when you get busy or are doing more than one thing at a time. You have to remember to lock computer sceen, watch who you talk to or share information with and also make sure you are communicating with the right person. Its very common for patients to have the same name and date of birth, so an important task for me would  be making sure I am following the HIPPA guidelines to protect our patient information. The thing I like most about my job is my job. I went to college to become a Medical Administrative Assistant so this job is exactly the kind that I wanted once I graduated. I have no complaints!!!

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Graduate researcher 7 salaries reported	$28,771 per year
Registered nurse 13 salaries reported	$39.77 per hour
Research assistant 4 salaries reported	$26,250 per year
Clinical nurse 65 salaries reported	$33.96 per hour
Assistant professor 7 salaries reported	$85,857 per year

Working at University of Kentucky: Company Overview and Reviews

University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky Ratings

Popular jobs at University of Kentucky

Salary Satisfaction

Job Seeker Tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected