FNP in Hawaii

zenman · Feb 10, 2011

Might check out their NP association for info. Have you ever been there? Hawaii is a different country, but great views and weather.

somebodyrn · Feb 15, 2011

Thanks. I have visited Hawaii a few times and really enjoyed it. We have a few friends living there but they do not work in the medical field. I will be finished with school next year and just trying to find out how life is for the NP's in Hawaii. I have heard that you need to find a job before you go over. I have looked on some healthcare systems sites but not a lot of information. Have you worked over there?

zenman · Feb 17, 2011

I worked in Oahu for 3 years.

somebodyrn · Feb 17, 2011

Did you work as a NP or RN while you were there? If a NP, can you tell me more about your experience? Oahu is where I have visited and really loved it but the island is too crowded. I have been researching other islands and I really like Hilo on the Big Island. I am planning to visit this summer to get an idea about the island and the job market. There is just not much information on line about NP's in Hawaii so I am having a difficult time finding information.

Thanks for any information.

coffee and toast · Feb 17, 2011

OK...I'll be debbie downer, and take my words with a grain of salt. I'm making a bullet list of the negatives because I think you should be aware of the bad as you make this decision - after all - you're talking Hawaii, its all too easy to get caught up in thinking about the good!

Hawaii is a gorgeous, very special, very fun place. It is unique and will provide you lifestyle changes that can't be matched anywhere else in the US. It's a cultural immersion in a diverse, natural, spiritual, slower, calmer, kinder world.....It is also a very hard place to make a living.

As much as you liked it there when visiting, which I totally acknowledge you had good reason for, I'd play it cautious as far as evaluating job market and making the move. And go with a padded savings account.

It has a big insider (local) versus outsider (haole) feel. I was born, raised, and love it there. I can admit there are challenges for mainlanders moving over. This may make networking a challenge for you. It's just the way it is, and its not that way for everyone, but don't be surprised if you find this.

The medical field in general (and lots of other fields in HI) - you will find lots of competition for few jobs. On the outer islands in particular --- there is little industry (well tourism, small agriculture) so big professions people will aspire for are your 'standards' .... medical, law, teaching...but there aren't going to be as many people doing other things (business, eng., science - there are some but not like a city), so you have increased competition for the jobs like healthcare.

As for NP specifically - rural Hawaii is EXACTLY the type of place I see NPs having a really important role. Cheaper for hospitals to hire, can spend more time with patients. I think the nursing approach is one that is a great match for Hawaii's culture - and I think that patients could really benefit. There's a big aging population in Hilo, for sure, if geriatric is at all within your interest. However, though I personally think NPs would be good for healthcare in Hawaii....whether or not they are hiring, and what they pay, who knows.

If you are thinking Hilo is your goal....remember, towns are significant distances apart (so living in Hilo and getting a job in "adjacent" Honoka'a isn't at all like living in one town and working in another in the mainland.) You'll want to secure a job IN Hilo before getting there, I would think. And be REALLY sure that job is close to your dream job - be aware that you might not have much mobility there, simply because, there aren't a lot of other jobs! Kona Hospital in Kealakekua might be another idea - not hilo, but Kona is great too.

Cost of living is high (pay does not always match), though Hilo is cheaper than other parts of the BI. But still. High cost of living. Unless you live somewhere similar .... whatever you pay for your gallon of milk right now, make sure you are willing to triple it.

There are TONS of mainlanders that move to Hawaii with the best intentions to do good, AND do well. Lots of them leave and go home broke a few years later.

And, I have to agree with zenman. It's another country. In both good and bad ways.

Also...Hilo looks lush, green, and tropical for a reason. Check out the rainfall statistics. It's a cool old town though.

The positives...well you already know them.

zenman · Feb 18, 2011

I agree with mahanabay. I worked as an RN there and would only consider going back as an NP. Check with the BON also as I think you have to have 1,000 hrs after you get your HI NP license in order to prescribe. That just doesn't cut it with me as I'm in NM with no restrictions!

One thing I didn't like about HI, other than the cost of living there, was that you can't get in your truck and drive for days. I also had more cultural shock going from TX to HI, than I did in Bangladesh and Thailand.

rikomom · Feb 18, 2011

Although I agree NP would be the best benefits for Hawaii, NPs are still not well recognized yet here. As Zenman said it well, Hawaii is not like mainland. Not many NPs work in my hospital as well. Just not there yet.... unfortunately. Working in Hilo would be a big challenge even for me who have lived in Oahu for five years... But it would be a great chance for you to open up a clinic for isolated area as well. Hope this helps.

somebodyrn · Feb 18, 2011

Thank you Mahanabay and Zenman. I appreciate your frankness, this is what I am looking for. I definitely want to know what I am looking at before I make the move and find I have made a mistake. I have tried to research the job market for NP's in Hawaii but I am coming up with nothing except for what I am getting here.

I am not set on any particular island but I have visited Oahu and found it to be too crowded.

I will have to check out Kona.

westcoastgirl · Feb 21, 2011

you may want to google an article/survey about NP practice which I recall being posted within the last 2 years. They looked at many factors including scope of practice and assigned each state a letter grade for how 'good' of a place that state is for an NP to work in. Sorry I am in a rush right now and can't find it for you.

I distinctly recall Hawaii getting one of the lowest grades on that survey, a D or F! I can't remember all the factors but I think many restrictions on practice was one. I was looking at Hawaii information because that is a pipe dream of mine to eventually move there. Good luck to you!

rikomom · Feb 21, 2011

It is a few years old but still very helpful research. Thank you for westcoastgirl!!

The website is :

http://www.eileenogrady.net/.../Ranking%20of%20states%20AJNP_April_07_ %5Bfinal%5D.pdf