Kapiolani Community College

590 students! that's some crazy competition. It would definitely make you feel prouder for getting in if you beat out hundreds of other students.

I understand your reason for retaking the NLN, best of luck to you on achieving your better score. Its highly frustrating when certain things just don't play out when you're putting so much work into it. Thanks for the tip on the NLN, I was going to buy the prep book from barnes & noble but this seems just as efficient.

As for those online classes, I seemed to have wasted my time when registration came, couldn't get any online classes. So its a bit more difficult taking them all face to face. More time consuming.

Do you have your CNA already? I took a CNA and medical assisting class that went on for a year so I have that certificate. I haven't put it to good use since I haven't gotten a job. Tomorrow though, I will be completing a phlebotomy program so I could broaden my medical experience before nursing school.

I hope its not too nerve wrecking on your trip, knowing your letter is just right there! Good luck to you

Hey Makoa,

I hope all is going well in Pharmacology. I dropped it and will have to stay satisfied with my B. Had to make an emergency trip to the mainland for my elderly dad. The other classes were online.

This waiting for the response after applying is grueling. But I figure that it will all work out. If not I will try for fall or go to Chaminade since I attended there before. After visiting with my sick father I stopped stressing about the nursing program which was driving me insane , worrying about grades, whether I get in etc. EVerything does need to have its time and I need to relax. sigh ! I could really worry myself sick after all that hard work during the summer.

You are right, about so many nurses and I need to have faith that somehow I will end up with a job in a career that I love. Preferably at Kapiolani or Queens , near my home. I haven't heard how many applicants there were but know that alot apply that are not really qualified at the time. Have fun on that trip. Enjoy because if we get into the program it's going to be busy.

Has anyone else applied ?

Hey there KL2010,

Nice to hear from you, sorry to hear about your dad. Family is first, that's why we're doing this in the first place, right? I think I've gotten over the anxiety this past few days as I sat and pondered about what another 8 months of freedom with my kids would be like. Once I realized that these vacations I take 2-3 times a year will be a thing of the past for the next few years, then I don't think I really mind if I get in next August instead of January. Whatever works. I wish that everything works out your way and I'll hear from you soon.

as a military wife i have been in oahu for 2 months. i am a lpn here in hawaii and would like to become an rn. i finished all pre reqs for kcc in ca. except the nln exam which i am supposed to take in november. i noticed on the application it says, "local residents preferred" and it immediatly put a bad taste in my mouth. first, isn't this discrimination? the students at this school are funded by the state but also recieve federal financial aid!!! it clearly states that no school recieving these funds can discriminate becuase of race, religion, ect.... second, i was told by the nursing office clerk and the admissions clerk that military does not recieve resident tuition thus they prefer locals becuase they can afford it. wrong! we do. i was encouraged to apply to hpu. third, i was asked for a letter saying i will be here for several years after graduation to serve on the islands. excuse me? out of 100% of the rn graduates here on the island only 25% can find employment (most as lpns not rns). there are no jobs for new grad rns here so you have to go to mainland as 75% of graduates have reported! who cares if i'll be here after graduation or not? they could leave just as quick as i could. fourth, it's not easy to apply and it costs approx. $200 to get prepared for application. i am considering sending this information to aclu and also naacp for review. i am so furious that this behavior is still allowed and tolerated that i am willing to give up my advancment in career to bring a point to this sad and repulsive behavior. they basically looked me in the eyes and said, "get to the back of the bus!" shameful.

I know exactly how you feel! I had a very similar experience a couple of semesters back...I don't understand it, and I didn't get in KCC. I applied to the university and I got in on the first try. Your thread may start a a heated debate, I have read many, participated in a few, in the past couple of years...I wish you luck, and YES! is is frustrating, and NO! I do not think it is right, but it continues to be "done"

Calimom,

I understand your arguments along with others as well just read posts from out of state and military students. You're right, a lot of graduates who are locals do leave. But more than likely you WILL leave if you are a military dependent. I disagree with your statistic that 75% of the graduates of KCC leave. But if we had to use this statistic as a reference then I would have to say that 100% of military dependents leave. Honestly, I wish that every single person that applied could get in, I would love to see that. And I agree with you that it seems like discrimination. But if it were, this practice would not have gone on for so long. KCC's acceptance policy is perfectly legal otherwise it would not have been in practice for so long. You can apply to UH Manoa. They don't care if you are from Hawaii or from Mars. They have double the seats available and you can get a bachelors instead, only a few more classes to take compared to KCC to get into their program. And your comment about discrimination? The NAACP? The ACLU is not federally funded by the way. This is not a race issue. We have all races living here in Hawaii. There is no discrimination since ALL are welcome to apply, giving preference to RESIDENTS first, not race. If there are no qualified residents then the list will move to non residents. Will this ever happen? No. Why? Because there's only an average of 30 seats available. Are military families subject to state taxes from their pay here? That's where a large pool of state funds for the college come from, part of the reason why its preference to residents. I'm not trying to argue with you, because I agree with you. I get what you're saying, exactly. Unfortunately KCC does not have enough seats and funds to get what you are saying.

as a military wife i have been in oahu for 2 months. i am a lpn here in hawaii and would like to become an rn. i finished all pre reqs for kcc in ca. except the nln exam which i am supposed to take in november. i noticed on the application it says, "local residents preferred" and it immediatly put a bad taste in my mouth. first, isn't this discrimination? the students at this school are funded by the state but also recieve federal financial aid!!! it clearly states that no school recieving these funds can discriminate becuase of race, religion, ect.... second, i was told by the nursing office clerk and the admissions clerk that military does not recieve resident tuition thus they prefer locals becuase they can afford it. wrong! we do. i was encouraged to apply to hpu. third, i was asked for a letter saying i will be here for several years after graduation to serve on the islands. excuse me? out of 100% of the rn graduates here on the island only 25% can find employment (most as lpns not rns). there are no jobs for new grad rns here so you have to go to mainland as 75% of graduates have reported! who cares if i'll be here after graduation or not? they could leave just as quick as i could. fourth, it's not easy to apply and it costs approx. $200 to get prepared for application. i am considering sending this information to aclu and also naacp for review. i am so furious that this behavior is still allowed and tolerated that i am willing to give up my advancment in career to bring a point to this sad and repulsive behavior. they basically looked me in the eyes and said, "get to the back of the bus!" shameful.

no offense but you really didn't do your homework. if you went to an informational session before starting your pre-reqs you'd have seen that they are very explicit in their policy on giving preference to hawaii residents. paying resident tuition is not the same as being a resident. kcc is here to educate students who will benefit the local community. that's kind've the point of a community college. it's a little different than a university. as such, priority is given to residents who are most likely to remain in the islands. makes sense to me. sorry you didn't do more thorough research before pursing kcc.

First, I am a nurse and I work at a "local" hospital where I pay Hawaii STATE taxes. I paid $1080 to the STATE at Quarantine so my dog could sit there for 120 days. (Most locals will not pay that in state taxes in 4 years) I shop at all the same stores as you and pay STATE taxes. My children attend public schools - since we live on a federal domicile the STATE receives thousands of dollars for each military child. The DOD gives Hawaii STATE money to keep local operating because MILITARY are here! When I stayed at Hilton for 8 days I paid 20% STATE taxes. I registered my car here with Hawaii STATE. So - guess what? Us military folk and the pony we came in on -contribute MORE to your STATE then you do. In fact, if I looked up the statistics of who is contributing the most STATE funds to this island its not "local residents".

Oh and since I am a nurse in the community I can tell you there are no jobs for RN's here - PERIOD! Are you a nurse because you should no that? Your argument about my numbers stated in my above blog is invalid. You know why? It is probably WORSE then 75 out of 100 and if you are a nurse here you know that. Sadly, your STATE funded hospitals won't hire your own new grads and would rather hire an experienced nurse from the mainland! No secret right?

Do you now the definition of discrimination? In plain English, to "discriminate" means to distinguish, single out, or make a distinction. In everyday life, when faced with more than one option, we discriminate in arriving at almost every decision we make. But in the context of civil rights law, unlawful discrimination refers to unfair or unequal treatment of an individual (or group) based on certain characteristics. So yes - this is defined as discrimination.

Do you know why KCC has gotten away with this for long? Hmmm, pretty obvious - we all complain but we don't take action! Military spouses feel as though we have no voice here. It's easier to apply somewhere else or not even pursue our educational goal. Did you read previous posts? There are so many spouses going through this. IT IS NOT RIGHT!

You need to do your research on NAACP and ACLU. They do more then cover race issues. No - ACLU is not federally funded (who care's) but they have made significant contributions to the state of Hawaii. Including one case very similar to this. This is not about race - this is about not being able to have the same opportunity as a "local resident" in a Federally funded educational setting. That is discrimination in its finest form. Don't tolerate the "state funded" pitch that they will give you if you call today - they are like every other PUBLIC community college, - funded by STATE and FEDERAL government.

I don't care to go back and forth with anyone. I am asking all military and non-local residents to take a stand! We have rights. We obviously are not alone in our situation which makes us bigger in numbers. This issue needs attention and the barriers in Hawaii need to be brought down. I have chosen a career to help others in need. I am by nature an advocate - if you are a true nurse you are too. Stand up!!

It's true the job market sucks right now. I've watched it do a complete 180* over the past 3 years. Our older nurses are putting off retirement. I'm sure you're also familiar with the fact that Hawaii's nursing force is on the older side. When the economy turns around and the jobs open up, I guarantee you most of the local residents that were forced to relocate for a job opportunity will return. That's the long term benefit of investing in Hawaii residents.

If you feel you have a legitimate case, pursue it by all means. From what I've seen, KCC is very fair in their selection process. They are by far the most competitive nursing school in Hawaii so I'm pretty sure they've done their homework in regards to their admission practices. You wouldn't be the first to threaten legal action. Best of luck in your fight.

Like Calimom said, I don't want to go back and forth with anyone, there's just too much to debate and not worth the time to refute every single argument one makes. Not to mention how difficult it is to type out every thought you have. Ambiguous meanings are misinterpreted and then people start getting all heated (I am laughing as I type this, by the way). But as most people would naturally feel, there are things to clarify when one responds to you. Things like the DOD contributing money on behalf of military children students, well that comes from DOD, not from the pockets of military families themselves. And just because you pay a whole bunch of fees to set yourself up in a new place, doesn't mean we local people don't move from place to place while we're here. Did I mention how darn expensive my property taxes are? Ouch. I don't shop on base or at the commissary where things are cheaper and tax free, but it doesn't bother me. It's a well deserved privilege and I in no way object to it. I never said that even though KCC's policy is legal that it's right. I said just the opposite if you read again. Like I said before, I agree with all the non residents--military and non-military--who are not able to get into the program KCC has. My wish would be for everyone who applies to get in. I still disagree with your unconfirmed statistic. At the top of my head I know a lot of students who graduated from the KCC program and never left the islands for a job. The only reason why I reiterated the NAACP and ACLU is because you said, I quote " discriminate becuase of race, religion, ect.... ", I left the typos in there too. You mentioned race but I know exactly who the NAACP and ACLU represent and you are right, they represent other cases of discrimination as well. So just to clarify, this is not a 'race discrimination.' Yes, I know what the term discrimination means, and I know what the term race discrimination means too, they are totally different. Like mcubed45 said, make your stand and I too sincerely hope that you are successful. I wish they would open up more seats for more people of all statuses to get in. There's no need to take defense against posts that agree with you.

Aloha,

Sorry to beat a dead horse and for those of you who have been reading this thread... Anyway, in regards to KCC, as a student here it's very very competitive for lack of enough nursing schools. In regards to military wives, think how many military wives fluctuate in and out of the state, now if 5% of those were competitive at the Community college level for ADN it would make the nursing school situation that much more upsetting to those on the island.

The ADN program is considered a vocational degree. The BSN is considered a university program which is why the military clause sticks to the community college level and not the university. It really would be unfair to have those without residency beat the locals for the vocational ADN spaces which are already hard to come by. However, the BSN is fully open to those in the military. Why such hostility at understanding the reality of the "local" situation? Being in the military has its perks and drawbacks.

The drawback is vocational education is reserved somewhat for state residents, understandably so, but the University is open to transient military folk that must come and go. If the vocational programs were not filled and in such demand then non residents could fill that quota but its pretty obvious. Nothing personal against the military.

I hear the frustration and see that its gaining a ridiculous life of its own. Basically if you are in the military or a spouse , you have certain options for nursing. Community college is not one. HPU is, UH is and Chaminade will be.

This is not discrimination. Its vocational school.

First, I am a nurse and I work at a "local" hospital where I pay Hawaii STATE taxes. I paid $1080 to the STATE at Quarantine so my dog could sit there for 120 days. (Most locals will not pay that in state taxes in 4 years) I shop at all the same stores as you and pay STATE taxes. My children attend public schools - since we live on a federal domicile the STATE receives thousands of dollars for each military child. The DOD gives Hawaii STATE money to keep local operating because MILITARY are here! When I stayed at Hilton for 8 days I paid 20% STATE taxes. I registered my car here with Hawaii STATE. So - guess what? Us military folk and the pony we came in on -contribute MORE to your STATE then you do. In fact, if I looked up the statistics of who is contributing the most STATE funds to this island its not "local residents".

Oh and since I am a nurse in the community I can tell you there are no jobs for RN's here - PERIOD! Are you a nurse because you should no that? Your argument about my numbers stated in my above blog is invalid. You know why? It is probably WORSE then 75 out of 100 and if you are a nurse here you know that. Sadly, your STATE funded hospitals won't hire your own new grads and would rather hire an experienced nurse from the mainland! No secret right?

Do you now the definition of discrimination? In plain English, to "discriminate" means to distinguish, single out, or make a distinction. In everyday life, when faced with more than one option, we discriminate in arriving at almost every decision we make. But in the context of civil rights law, unlawful discrimination refers to unfair or unequal treatment of an individual (or group) based on certain characteristics. So yes - this is defined as discrimination.

Do you know why KCC has gotten away with this for long? Hmmm, pretty obvious - we all complain but we don't take action! Military spouses feel as though we have no voice here. It's easier to apply somewhere else or not even pursue our educational goal. Did you read previous posts? There are so many spouses going through this. IT IS NOT RIGHT!

You need to do your research on NAACP and ACLU. They do more then cover race issues. No - ACLU is not federally funded (who care's) but they have made significant contributions to the state of Hawaii. Including one case very similar to this. This is not about race - this is about not being able to have the same opportunity as a "local resident" in a Federally funded educational setting. That is discrimination in its finest form. Don't tolerate the "state funded" pitch that they will give you if you call today - they are like every other PUBLIC community college, - funded by STATE and FEDERAL government.

I don't care to go back and forth with anyone. I am asking all military and non-local residents to take a stand! We have rights. We obviously are not alone in our situation which makes us bigger in numbers. This issue needs attention and the barriers in Hawaii need to be brought down. I have chosen a career to help others in need. I am by nature an advocate - if you are a true nurse you are too. Stand up!!

Calimom:

You're an idiot. And a rabble rouser.

If you are a nurse, then why are you so upset about KCC's prerequisites? Are you planning to go back to school? Second, you have a job, so why are you complaining about the lack of jobs in the state? Third, go back to the mainland, Hawaii doesn't need people like you.