Let's Be Honest...

How hard is it to get an RN position in Hawaii (specifically O'ahu) if you're coming from out of state as a new grad?

Would letters of recommendation help?

I ask because I'm graduating nursing school in May and taking my NCLEX shortly after and have plans to move to O'ahu by the end of summer (projected date is somewhere around August/September).

Very difficult.

It's also very difficult to get an aide/tech position as new grad RN. And you basically need to get an aide/tech job and work about a year before you have a chance at getting into a new grad program.

This only applies to acute care though. There's more opportunities in outpatient/SNF but there's quite a big pay cut.

I agree with the previous poster. I moved here about 6 months after graduating and only 2 months worth of experience. I filled out applications for hospitals and long-term care facilities. Only the long-term care facilities called me for interviews. The hospitals sent me emails saying I was not qualified enough.

I currently work at a long-term care/rehabilitation facility and the nurses there tell me it is VERY difficult to get into the hospitals here, especially if you did not graduate from here and have no experience.

Good luck with school!