Disappointed..Straub, Queens, Kieser

HawaiiRN808 · Nov 6, 2011

You are definitely right, it is TOUGH finding an RN job in Honolulu. Good luck!

tmartin83 · Nov 11, 2011

Hi MAL, RN;

I am in the EXACT situation as you, but i only have 4 months, and was pretty much forced to leave my awesome job also. I wanted to stay, but it was just too much with being hundreds of miles away from any family. My husband PCSed here a few weeks ago, and I am just stressed out and so over this... It is very tough out here, and it's depressing, but we will make it someway, somehow.

I can't believe it... managers actually like new grads???? I really wonder why you have to have a year out here; I dont see why an organization would not want a fresh new grad that they can mold and fit to their standards, ya know? I would try other hospitals too in the area though. Let me know if you get any hits! Good luck to us all!

ck637143 · Nov 15, 2011

hi, I'm also trying to look for a job in Hawaii right now. My husband is getting stationed there in January.

MAL, RN · Nov 19, 2011

Hi MAL, RN;
I am in the EXACT situation as you, but i only have 4 months, and was pretty much forced to leave my awesome job also. I wanted to stay, but it was just too much with being hundreds of miles away from any family. My husband PCSed here a few weeks ago, and I am just stressed out and so over this... It is very tough out here, and it's depressing, but we will make it someway, somehow.
I can't believe it... managers actually like new grads???? I really wonder why you have to have a year out here; I dont see why an organization would not want a fresh new grad that they can mold and fit to their standards, ya know? I would try other hospitals too in the area though. Let me know if you get any hits! Good luck to us all!

I've chatted with some other nurses from the area, and it basically comes down to knowing someone. They WILL hire new grads, but you can't go through the recruiter (Im referring to Straub), because she will deny your application based on hospital policy which is out of her control. But its hard to meet people when your always moving, so obviously the locals will get these jobs.

NursePamela · Nov 28, 2011

Hawaii is different. I would be really tempted to stay behind the extra 4 months, it will go really fast.

dreamct · Nov 29, 2011

I work at HPH and I know a few new grad RN's that have taken tech/CNA jobs to get thier foot in the door. As far as I know they (HPH) only hires new grad RN's who already work there. (I understand there are always exceptions) HPH is an excellent company.

myoglobin, ASN, BSN, MSN · Aug 5, 2012

One option might be to write/email/visit the nurse managers directly. I did this in Indianapolis as a new grad (granted nothing like Hawaii) and was hired into critical care when the recruiter told me "no way" without a year's experience. Of course one downside of this approach is that you COULD upset the recruiter and make getting a job there more difficult in the long run if you decide to go the four month route.

BandaidBunny · Aug 6, 2012

Your exactly right--Ive talked to unit managers that were like, "really, id love to take a look at your resume, but I never got it from HR" So if theres a way to get in contact with them directly, thats great.

But also, like you said, that can make things worse. Which was my experience with the recruiter at Castle. A very bitter and insulting woman who they told me was the "nurse recruiter". She is NOT a nurse and therefore does understand our work experiences. Be careful when contacting them!

mcubed45 · Oct 12, 2012

Hi all,
Im disappoined thus far in my experience looking for RN positions on Oahu and looking for advice on getting a job at Straub or Queens.
I am moving to Oahu with my military husband, and forced to leave my current (and first) job with only 9 months of experience as an Emergency Room RN. I have EMS experience, GREAT references, internship in a level-1 trauma, my bachelors and even my CEN!
Yet, yesterday I was told, by Straub nursing recruiter, that she simply cannot forward any of my applications to ANY department because Straub has a "non-negotiable" 12 month experience policy. Her advice was "stay behind for 4 more months" and then she can get me a job..?
They currently have several ER positions listed, all night shifts, which I have and am able to work. I have worked so much overtime in the past 9 months that Im sure I come close to one year! I think Im an excellent candidate for these positions. Why are managers not looking at an entire candidates profile?
and probably the hardest fact-- I have a friend who worked at Straub, and said that some of the managers actually LIKE "new graduates"...so it once again comes down to who you know.
The recruiter at queens said something similar.
Im looking for any advice on how to get some contacts at Straub, Queens or another area hospital. My passion is in ER nursing , but I am a nurse first, and enjoy my profession regardless of the department .
Thanks in advance..Any advice is welcome..

Basically if you have less than a year experience, you need to go through the hospitals new grad program. Hospital policy. At HPH and QMC this is pretty much non-negotiable.

In Hawai the new-grad job market is so bad that there are literally HUNDREDS of new graduate nurses waiting for work. Many have graduated 1-2 yrs ago and have been working as aides/techs. HPH (Straub, Pali-momi, Kapiolani, & Wilcox) has a new grad program every 6 months that is only open internally. Queens also has a new grad program that is only open internally and runs a couple times a year.

Basically if you want to work at HPH or Queens you have two options.

1) Get your 1 yr experience so you can apply to any position as an experienced nurse

2) Begin working as a tech/aide/clerk and apply to then next new-grad program. Competition for new-grad slots is extremely competitive so it may be several rounds before you get in.

It is defintely in your best interst to get that 1 yr experience. Otherwise it may be a very long time until you are working as an RN.

WindwardOahuRN, RN · Oct 14, 2012

Queens has hired quite a few EXPERIENCED RN's lately. They are pulling from the huge pool of very experienced former HMC nurses who were displaced by the closings of HMC West and HMC East.

Since Queens has recently purchased HMC West and the tentative re-opening is set for next Spring I imagine that there will be some hope for an increase in job opportunities here.

But still....not much hope for mainland wannabe-transfers.

The slots will be filled by the local new-grad-RN-unit secretaries/nurses aides/etc, who have been waiting in anguish for such opportunities. They will be hired first, over those from other geographical areas.

Which, IMOH, is as it should be.

SDRN858 · Oct 16, 2012

Queens has hired quite a few EXPERIENCED RN's lately. They are pulling from the huge pool of very experienced former HMC nurses who were displaced by the closings of HMC West and HMC East.
Since Queens has recently purchased HMC West and the tentative re-opening is set for next Spring I imagine that there will be some hope for an increase in job opportunities here.
But still....not much hope for mainland wannabe-transfers.
The slots will be filled by the local new-grad-RN-unit secretaries/nurses aides/etc, who have been waiting in anguish for such opportunities. They will be hired first, over those from other geographical areas.
Which, IMOH, is as it should be.

This sounds discouraging to me. I was a Hawaii resident for 25 years, then moved to California in 2001. During my time here, I worked as an LVN for two years and am currently an RN for 8 years with psych, med/surg, tele, PCU, and trauma experience. I'm planning to move back in a year to take care of my parents. I'm interested in your recommendations and advices. Thanks!