From its volcanoes to its verdant forests, Hawaii can mesmerize its viewers. The Aloha state offers a paradise filled with activities from snorkeling to golf, and the islands offer both big city amenities and reclusive getaways. These attributes appeal to residents and tourists alike. Both populations offer reasons to think about a nursing career in the fiftieth state. RNs are in demand, as well as emergency, pediatric and geriatric nurses, and positions as home or traveling nurses seem to prevail.

Becoming a Nurse in Hawaii

If your goal is to study nursing in Hawaii, you have several choices; however, only the University of Hawaii at Manoa (with locations in Honolulu and Hilo) offers a doctoral degree. Students who are accepted into this nursing program can specialize in adult care, community health, neonatal and newborn care, nutrition, and psychiatric and mental health care nursing. This university provides special programs for the RN, including an RN-to-BSN program, certifications in nursing, and the BSN, MSN and doctoral degrees. Maui Community College’s nursing career ladder, with specialties in adult care, behavioral/mental and psychiatric care, family care and pediatrics, offers certifications and an associate’s degree. One more example among Hawaii’s offerings includes Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu, with certifications and an associate’s degree in specialties that include adult, clinical and family care.

Nursing Jobs in Hawaii

Salaries for nurses can vary depending upon experience, degree earned, and location and type of job. For instance, an LPN in Hawaii can earn anywhere from $27,000 to $86,000 per year, and an RN can earn from $44,000 to $115,000 per year. Nurses can find work in Hawaii at some of this state’s largest employers. Hawaii HealthCare Professionals provides professional skilled nursing services and private duty care to residents, and nurses who want to travel and work in home environments may find an ideal position here. Also, Kokua Nurses, founded in 1979, serves Hawaiian’s comprehensive health needs by setting the standard of care in homes, institutions and communities throughout this state. Other choices for job applicants might include cruise ship  or travel nurse positions and rural home health care.