Big Island Info??

mo-mo · May 25, 2007

My husband (science guy teacher) are planning on moving to the Big Island,Hilo side. I'm currently at a ambulatory surgery center and do infection control as an added bonus to my job duties. Past experience is ICU,CCU,CVR,ER,AMB SURG(EYE Center),Brief stent in office nursing. Does Hawaii license by reciprocity?? I think there is one hospital in Hilo and one in Kona. Will be there in July to visit and would like some info. for advance planning. Thanks from Florida

:welcome:

Don't forget to check out North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea! Has the reputation for being the best hospital on the rock (especially by nurses' standards). That said, I haven't worked at any other hospital here, so don't know first hand...The whole island needs RNs though so you shouldn't have a problem finding work. Getting licensure in the state is very easy, compared with other states (especially FLORIDA!!!). Send me a note if you want any info about North Hawaii!

nursesilva · May 26, 2007

Hello....

You stated that it was easy getting licensure in Hawaii...I was planning on arriving in October 2007 (if and when I find employment) and was wondering if I could do all of the necessary paperwork when I arrive there instead of doing it so far away????? any ideas???

mo-mo · May 27, 2007

It only took about 3 wks to get my liscence processed (2 yrs ago). I don't know if thats typical, but it was a fairly fast and painless process for me.

I'd get it done before you come b/c i had to look some things up that were easier to navigate from my home. But thats personal preference. You could probably find all necessary info on the internet.

MidwifeMom · Jun 21, 2007

Hello all,

I am currently a traveler on the Big Island, Kona side. Make sure to apply for your license well in advance. I applied May 11th and just now got a license June 18th. (after much time spent on the phone with the Hawaii board). Apparently this is the worst time to apply for a license in Hawaii because July 1st every nurse is reapplying for a new license and they are extremely busy.

I was told that to be licensed by June 18th, I would have to pay 135.00 for initial licensure that would expire July 1st of this year. (yeah a total of two weeks). I needed to pay an additional 180.00 to be licensed from July 1st, 2007-2009. What a mess.

As far as the Big Island goes, it is extremely expensive. Groceries are outrageous ($7.00 for a gallon of milk) Of course I am from Kansas too. :-)

Kona side is nice, lots of beautiful beaches within driving distance and plenty of places to snorkel. The scenery is very different, from lava fields that look deserted to white, gold, green, & black sand beaches. Volcano National park is an excellent place to visit, and the Hilo side is greener and more lush with plants and waterfalls.

Good luck in July! If you have any more questions just pm me.

Jamie

kalele · Jun 24, 2007

My husband and I are planning to move to Hawaii in the next few years, or whenever it seems possible. We had tentatively decided on the Big Island. I know that all of the NICU's are on the island of Oahu, however, I am sure there are nurseries in the hospitals on the BIg Island also, are there not?

We are only familiar with Kauai and Oahu as those are the only islands we have visited a few times.

Any suggestions? It seems that it is not difficult to get a nursing license in Hawaii. Do you have to be living there to get your license or can you get it ahead of time?

Thanks-

Aloha~