I need some help please

[moonstruc7]

Hello,

I have written a couple of different threads on some other forums and haven't really gotten an answer, so I am hoping that my luck will change in here. Now, I am a nursing student in California and will be moving to Oahu about a month after I graduate in November. I am wondering if I can apply from CA to take the NCLEX in Oahu and if so, how would I go about doing this. I would also like to know if anyone has an idea of approximately how long the wait is to take the NCLEX once you have applied. In addition, I am wondering what kind of review courses are available and their average cost. I would greatly appreciate a response in reference to these matters.

Thanks for your help,

Natalie

[psalm, RN]

...aloha!! Probably check with the state boards of nursing for CA and HI, check out their web sites or ask an instructor at your school. I worked at Kapiolani as a nurse aide many years ago before becoming an RN.

[moonstruc7]

Mahalo!!!! I have spoken with several of the instructors at my school, and no one really has an answer, I have sent an email to the board of nursing for Hawaii and am awaiting a reply on that. I will have to check out the site for CA, although I am not certain they will know too much about Hawaii's requirements, but perhaps they will have ideas on how to get more info than I am able to obtain. I appreciate your help. At least I know I am on some kind of a track, even if it's not the right one yet. This is further than I've been directed by anyone else, so, again, I thank you. :thankya: If you have any other advise to lend to a soon to be new grad moving to Oahu, that would also be greatly appreciated.

[psalm, RN]

...well, if you are acquainted with Hawaii at all, you know that things go slowly, also known as "Hawaiian time". Which is great in some respects, but business-wise can be frustrating. Cost of living is really high, rent was high, but if you are coming from CA, you know about high rent :)

...I loved the diversity in Hawaii, and many nights I was the only haole (caucasion) on my shift, no problem, though. My co-workers loved to teach me the Island way of life.

...as far as the N-CLEX, here in Michigan it would take about a 6-8 week wait after applying and we could find out our results within days of testing. You would have to check with each state to see what their routine is. Can you go online to the Hawaii Nurses Association for more info, they shouldn't be too hard to find. If there is a cancellation, you could maybe get in quicker. Just be sure you are ready to take it :) I would start now looking at N-CLEX study books and take the tests to keep my critical-thinking skills up.

... let us know what you find out and good luck!

[moonstruc7]

Thanks for the advise!! It's a great help. I also need to find out if I can take the boards for CA once I am there in Hawaii. I believe I can, but I would like to know for certain. I suppose if worse came to worse, I could always fly back to CA to take the boards here also, but if that's unnecessary, than better for me.

Would you happen to know if Hawaii hires Medical Assistants in the hospitals? I was thinking it might not be a bad idea to apply for a MA job before I get there so I can get the ball rolling since we're working on "Hawaiian time". But it would also be ideal if I didn't have to change facilities once I do become a RN.

I do have one NCLEX book now that I have been looking at and our exams at school are all NCLEX format and every little bit helps. I am also planning on picking up at least one or two more. Are there any recommendations as far as which ones I should invest in? I was thinking of picking up Mosby's and one of my instructors has one I think is by Saunders (or something like that). What's your take?

Mahalo :thankya:

[extowboater]

You can dowload the Hawaii RN license application from the Hawaii Board of Nursing website (do a web search). It is in PDF format. Fill it out and send it in and follow their instructions for transcripts etc. When they approve you they will tell you how to get a date to take the exam. When you pass you will get your license. You can then apply for a license by endorsement in Ca. You shouldn't have to take the boards twice.

[Justhere, BSN, RN]

Kaplan is also another good NCLEX book.

[HI50]

Hi, I moved to Maui from MN right after I took the nclex. You do not need to take the nclex again for LPN you just have to get in touch with the HI board of nursing and pay a fee of 180.00 to transfer your license. This was after I recieved my MN nursing license. Hope this helps you. I would reccomend getting your license in the state you graduated in, in the event you dont LOVE it here you can go back to CA and not worry about transferring your license again. Carry a dual license. Just a thought, good luck, you will probally love it here! :welcome: