New grad RN moving to Oahu

[Pnut12]

Wow, I have read so many discouraging comments about getting an RN job in Oahu. Husband is military and we are moving to Oahu in May, 2012. I have 11 years experience as an LPN. Just got my RN license in September. By May, that's 7 months experience as an RN. I work in a prison here in AZ though. I don't know if that's enough experience to work at Tripler. Maybe not, from what I have read so far. I am beginning to think that I should stay in AZ and work longer. Any advice?

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

If you can afford to potentially not work for awhile, then go with your husband. It's not worth being that far apart from him. Yes, Hawaai is a tight market, but you do have some experience under your belt and there is a military hospital in Oahu (I think) that might give you preference if your husband is in the service. Send in some applications ahead of time and when you get there, go into the hospitals in person. Try to network with other nurses at the military base and find connections in health care.

Best of luck, and please thank your husband for his service!

[angelrain820]

I am in the same boat except that i will have 9 months experience when we leave in May. The other day I emailed my resume and cover letter to the email address listed on the TAMC website. I received a confirmation that it was received and will be forwarded to unit managers. I suggest you take that first step with Tripler since the application process takes many months. Also look into the other main hospitals. Many residency programs would love an RN with a little experience under hher belt. GL!

[Pnut12]

Well both of those replies were encouraging. Thanks, ladies. I was really kind of scared last night when reading on allnurses. I absolutely will send my application in to Tripler Army Medical Center on Monday!

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

I am in the same boat except that i will have 9 months experience when we leave in May. The other day I emailed my resume and cover letter to the email address listed on the TAMC website. I received a confirmation that it was received and will be forwarded to unit managers. I suggest you take that first step with Tripler since the application process takes many months. Also look into the other main hospitals. Many residency programs would love an RN with a little experience under hher belt. GL!

What residency program?

OP, get your ACLS and PALS to make yourself more marketable. Tripler states it does not give preference to military wives over civilian unless you are transfering from a mainland hospital. We have a prison here but you would have to wait for the RNs who are working there to die first to get a job there...apply anyway; you may get lucky. Same with any other nursing job here now.

Besides military we have a multitude of foreign nurses here and the compitition is fierce. Most foreign nurses accept lower pay and will work without questioning anything (I've worked here many moons) couple that with the civilian crowd that enters our ports daily and what you have is a real mess. Sure, look up any hospital listing and there will be several but those adds have been there for years it seems.

I suggest you send your current resume and cover letter to Tripler. Work on those certs, believe me they will make you more marketable and don't be discouraged. What says you have to work in a hospital...if your open home health is perhaps a viable option, travel nursing, anyway the starting RN wage here is suppose to be $33.50 (FWI), that's for a new grad and in 2 years it jumps significantly.

Good luck to you

[koi310]

I'd just stay in AZ if you want to work.

[Pnut12]

Koi~ nah. I think I will come on over with my family. I am persistent, smart, and resourceful. I will be ok. It's been 20 years since I lived there. I am excited to see what's changed.

[Amariahangel]

Hi Pnut12! Just wanted to let you know that TAMC does give preference to military spouses. Good luck on your search and welcome to Hawai'i :)