Made up entirely of islands, Hawaii is a popular destination for tourists because of its diverse natural scenery and warm tropical climate. Hawaii is also home to a number of colleges and universities, offering a variety of learning opportunities for students from all backgrounds and diverse educational and professional goals. Individuals interested in the field of nursing can also find relevant academic programs in Hawaii and acquire the essential skills and knowledge in the field.
An overview of Hawaii’s nursing sector
Hawaii ranks 42nd among all states, with 743 registered nurses per 1,000 residents. According to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, health services, one of the largest sectors of the state’s economy, will be the fastest growing sectors in the state. The data published by O*NET OnLine shows that the demand for nurses including licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) in Hawaii is likely to grow between 2012 and 2022.
Nursing Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii nursing schools offer a range of programs in order to prepare students for the growing challenges of the state’s nursing sector. These include LPN programs as well as degree programs, leading to students sit for the registered nurse licensing exam.
LPN programs
These programs provide the basics of nursing science to students. They may also allow graduates to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Licensed practical nurses may also be called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) and are responsible for assisting registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in providing basic nursing care to patients.
RN programs
The associate and bachelor degrees in nursing allow students to develop an understanding of the healthcare practices and systems and acquire leadership and communication skills essential to dealing with patients and other healthcare staff. In addition to classroom based instruction, students get opportunities to work in clinical settings where they get hands on training in the field.
Graduates programs in nursing
The state of Hawaii also offers master’s and PhD programs that are useful for practicing nurses interested in applying for advanced positions such as clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners.
What courses will you study?
Ranging from anatomy to psychology, nursing programs instruct students in a variety of topics and helps them learn how to administer nursing care to diverse populations. Some of the courses of study may include:
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Physiology
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Nutrition
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Microbiology
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Chemistry
Students may also explore legal and ethical nursing issues in addition to a number of other aspects of nursing care.
Where do nurses work?
Hawaiian nurses generally work in:
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Hospitals
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Nursing care facilities
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Offices of physicians
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Home health care services
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Residential care facilities
How much do Hawaiian nurses earn?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2013, the median annual pay for nurses in Hawaii was as follows:
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LPNs: $45,290
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RNs: $85,380
The nursing sector in Hawaii in growing, offering various opportunities to those who want to join the state’s challenging work environment.