So what do I need to do to SUCCESSFULLY move to Oahu?

Ceteris Paribus · Aug 13, 2009

She is a pretty "matter of fact" person and doesn't care to participate in online activities especially discussion boards. She loves to socialize, but vastly prefers face to face interaction. Our son is homeschooled so changing schools isn't an issue. No doubt she has higher standards for life than me. I could literally be happy living in a tent (as long as it's near the beach and I can afford at least one decent meal once a week or so, indeed during nursing school when I dropped from 270 to 180 over the course of a year I often water/multivitamin fasted two sometimes three days per week (and ate low carb the rest of the time when it was necessary to meet my self imposed weight loss goals). She is on board with Florida perhaps to an even greater degree than myself (it may not be paradise, but at least they have Disney, the beach, and no snow) and providing that we can find jobs which approximate what we currently earn (about $28.00, and $30.00 with night shift diff included) will be movnig within the next three to six months. She would consider herself (self described) a Jimmy Buffet, Hedonist, but with conservative, Glenn Beck like liberatarian social/political views. She considers me something of a left wing nut job, but never the less sometimes finds me at least remotely attractive if only in passing. Before being nurses we were once essentially "debt free" and gambled it all on a business which did well for several years. We basically decided to go back to school, take on massive debt and earn about 1/2 the money to enter a field that we felt would offer better long term prospects and offer the potential for life time growth (not to mention things like health insurance and work weeks which were not seven days per week and 16 hours long!). Plus, as I said originally we literally sat down and said what job(s) could do where we could dependably find work even in places like Hawaii (at one time nursing pretty much fit the bill!).

Ceteris Paribus · Aug 13, 2009

So you think it's okay to abuse a loophole in the system and never pay back money you borrowed?
That's called stealing.
How's about building some integrity before moving here. Thanks.

I would argue that I would simply prefer to stay in school and take classes and continue to improve my educational base if I can do so at price that is less expensive than paying the loans directly. I would argue that it's no more a matter of taking advantage of a loophole than those who trade their cars in for $4000.00 subsidies paid for by other tax payers or banks that take billions based upon governmental programs that authorize them to do so. At least half my debt (the Perkins loans) could actually be forgiven OUTRIGHT, if I only applied based upon the type of facility that I work in as a nurse (but I haven't applied for this and have no intention of doing so). Also, if I took a job at the VA (as several of my classmates did) ALL of my loans would have been repaid outright by the government (plus I would make more, have more vacation time, and better insurance/retirement pay). If it's not "stealing" to accept a job which pays the loans off with government money, then how is it such to defer my loans indefinitely while I'm in school?

WindwardOahuRN, RN · Aug 13, 2009

>> Plus, as I said originally we literally sat down and said what job(s) could do where we could dependably find work even in places like Hawaii (at one time nursing pretty much fit the bill!).

Sorry...Hawaii is chock full of resident new grads and experienced nurses who are having extremely tough times finding nursing positions here. It is very much WHO you know now, too---FOB nurses with no contacts are on the bottom of the hiring heap. All things being equal (no stab at your screen name, Ceteris) recent Mainland transplants have always been on the bottom of the hiring heap but the shortage of experienced nurses here (speaking in the past tense) pretty much assured that they would find a hearty welcome despite their lack of contacts and recent arrival status.

But that was Once Upon A Time and that time has passed.

No "Golden Ticket" to a guaranteed nursing position in the Islands, anywhere, except maybe nepotism.

And one more thing---I'm no Pollyanna and realize that, since nursing salaries have climbed so steadily in recent years, many people are going into it for purely mercenary reasons. The money and flexibility are rationales for entering the field that I hear so often.

One has to wonder if they even care much for nursing at all or would happily skip into another profession if it offered the same salary and perks. :icon_roll

Ceteris Paribus · Aug 13, 2009

As a free market liberatrarian I believe that money/perks are great motivators! When I used to wait tables no doubt money was my primary goal however I gave 110% to each and every one of my customers (I used to sometimes annoy my co-workers, parents, and friends by saying things with a fanatical zeal like the customer is my God and I will have no Gods before them), this is not to say that I always did a good job because frankly I just wasn't that GOOD of a server. In the same way although I entered nursing in large part for the money, flexibility and benefits I still give 110% each and every shift. I seldom take breaks (only to use the restroom), allmost never take lunches (only when they occassionally have ribtips and then only for 10 minutes to run to the cafteria), and usually stay late to chart "off clock". I serve each of my clients like they were the President himself and it doesn't matter if it's a prostitute with late stage HIV (a typical type of client at my inner city facility) or my own mother (and speaking of nepotism if I were in position to hire someone it wouldn't matter where they were from or if they were my best friend or worst enemy if anything I would hire my enemy first just to prove my fanatical dedication to my ideals of equality). This is not to say that I always do a good job, because I'm frankly not that good of nurse yet, but darnit I'm trying very hard to be the best one I can be. Yes, I'm motivated by the HOPE for a worthwhile future/career with good pay and flexibility, but I wouldn't try even one percent harder were I motivated by the promise of eternal life and salvation and the revocation of my sins (as were the Crusaders who approached their goals with fanatical zeal). As I look back upon my youth saying "the customer is my God" was foolish, but serving each and everyone of my clients to the absolute best of my ability matters to me greatly.

ticked · Aug 13, 2009

Here's what I would do, and first let me say, my field is different than your, but is health related. There are several big health companies here on Oahu: Queens Medical Center, Kapiolani Medical Center, Straub Clinics for starters. They all have web sites, and Kapiolani Women's Medical Center often has vacancy announcements and are pretty good in replying to inquiries.

Go on line, check out those sites and apply. Wait a bit, call, follow up and then see about coming in for an interview. There are some very nice hotels in Waikiki which is very close to the Hospitals that I've mentioned, and now because of the downturn, they are offering reduced rates, so you and your family may be able to check in at a good price. Then take it from there.

I've relocated several times: From New York to Louisisna, from Louisiana up to Indiana; from New York to Guam. It is never easy, but I'm sure you'll succeed. Just a note: it is probably everyone's dream to 'live on the beach' etc. but don't forget, it still rains out there. You'll want to find a decent place to live, which brings me to......

Housing is not an easy thing to latch onto however, the cost of owning a home versus buying a condo is pretty steep. The average house on Oahu runs 1/2 million easy. You can probably find a nice size condo for 300,000. There are sign on rewards for being a nurse!

WindwardOahuRN, RN · Aug 13, 2009

As I stated previously---just go for it. If you make it, you make it. If you don't, you don't.

Ditch the proselytizing and pontificating. No one really cares. We've seen it all before and are simply not amused. No one here gives a crap about Thor Heyerdahl or your assertions that the al fresco lifestyle in the Ko'olaus would suit you just fine (you might have to fight the local mokes for the prime campsites...got Pitbull?).

Any locals/residents care to join me in a group :::shrug:::?

Bottom line? It IS expensive to live here. You DO need a fair amount of cash to transplant here successfully. It's pretty much GUARANTEED that you will head back to the mainland within a year or two if you underestimate the COL here, not to mention other factors.

Enjoy the Travel Channel but please accept the fact that it does not display the whole picture regarding Hawaii. Not even close.

JMHO. YMMV.

Ceteris Paribus · Aug 13, 2009

Thanks for the input. Keep in mind that my goal is a FIVE year one. Not even I am so foolish as to think that I have a good chance of finding employment without having five plus years of experience a more advanced degree, a better job market and every certification available for what I hope is ICU nursing by that point (CCRN ect). As to stopping the pontification not a chance! It's who I am dude! My SO will tell you that I will often launch into a five minute "Braveheart" speech on the mortal coil of mankind before even taking out the trash! This is not a new obsession for me. Literally, half my nursing class literally expected me to abandon my family and move to Hawaii as a Bushman on the day I graduated!

mcubed45 · Aug 14, 2009

I would argue that I would simply prefer to stay in school and take classes and continue to improve my educational base if I can do so at price that is less expensive than paying the loans directly. I would argue that it's no more a matter of taking advantage of a loophole than those who trade their cars in for $4000.00 subsidies paid for by other tax payers or banks that take billions based upon governmental programs that authorize them to do so. At least half my debt (the Perkins loans) could actually be forgiven OUTRIGHT, if I only applied based upon the type of facility that I work in as a nurse (but I haven't applied for this and have no intention of doing so). Also, if I took a job at the VA (as several of my classmates did) ALL of my loans would have been repaid outright by the government (plus I would make more, have more vacation time, and better insurance/retirement pay). If it's not "stealing" to accept a job which pays the loans off with government money, then how is it such to defer my loans indefinitely while I'm in school?

Are you really trying to defend your actions with the argument that others do much worse? The great thing about the relative guilt defense is there's always someone doing worse. It's also irrelevant and does nothing to justify your wrong doing.

When you accept a job offer which includes loan repayment as a perk, SOMEONE is repaying YOUR debt. This is not the same as defrauding the system to avoid ever repaying YOUR debt.

You do realize that money being available for new students is dependent upon previous borrowers repaying their debt? If everyone were as ethically lacking as yourself, there would quickly be a severe lack of funding for students in real need. But I suppose that's not your problem, right? I'm not sure if you lack the mental capactiy to understand how your actions will affect others or if you just don't care. Maybe you were absent that day in pre-school when they taught everyone the importance of returning things they borrow.

In any case, please don't move to Hawaii. Such a self-centered attitude is hardly welcomed here.

Ceteris Paribus · Aug 14, 2009

If I earn an income which facilitates doing so I will repay the loans. However, I'm going to remain in school however long it takes to earn a BSN and then NP degree of some sort. I do not feel that obeying current rules to minimize my payments is defrauding the system (indeed by definition fraud implies intentional deceit and a violation of the law neither of which apply to staying in school part time). Thankfully, we live in a free nation where we don't need the endorsement of others to live where we choose. You may not welcome me in Hawaii, but I welcome, you to Indiana or wherever you may choose to live. Furthermore, I am eternally grateful that we live in a nation where those with diverse opnions can peacefully coexist.

life_aknew · Aug 25, 2009

i just sorta stumbled on to this thread and though i tend to agree with the advice the op received-i gotta say, he took it all exceptionally well. he kept the same attitude throughout the post and didn't seem to get defensive. i thought for sure it was going to turn sour real quick.

it was actually nice to see everyone participate in a conversation/debate in a mature fashion without name calling or personal attacks. kudos to all. :up:

and op, i sincerely hope that you will achieve your goal of living in hawaii one day:)

cute-1 · Aug 28, 2009

I believe in dreams.

You are doing the right thing by asking questions and doing research.I hope that others can answer your original questions about the specialty.It's great that you are being"warned" on the col and everything,but I'm sure that you already knew that.I don't live in HI but I have relocated SEVERAL times...chasing boys,dreams,college,or just because-so my advice is to SAVE Save and save some more.You can do all the research and have the best laid out plans but sometimes things don't always go as expected.I try to have at least 6 months of living expenses saved when I move.If I were in your situation I would save enough to buy a condo in HI,then if the job market was not up then you could rent it and move back later....Good luck and don't let people discourage you.Remember "There are graveyards and prisons filled with dreams.".Live yours.

SmilesNoir · Oct 5, 2009

Wow! wow!

This thread is so interesting. I've never had a desire to live in HI. I moved from the land of Bearcats and Buckeyes of Ohio to Florida. I did my research about Fla. The reality of Fla was different. No one tells you that they do not want to hire transients from other states. Why they think you'll move back home per 'canes or actual low pay? They want to see you live in FLA for 6 months to yr. (this might change after the recession. IMO, FLA will be the last out of the recession.. we are tourist-retirement base economy) I'm laid off in FLA. Everyone says come home. I've decided to hunker down in FLA. I start LPN school soon.

Can appreciate OP dreams and goals? I do read rhetoric.

Can I afford to live in Fla? Umm, Hmm! No and Yes.. Am I living on beach (It's against the law to sleepover on the beach) or living in the park or tent city? NO! Am I piecing money together to pay rent? yes! (i'm unemployed So are thousands in Fla and OH) But, I am enjoying my slice of heaven.

So, Young Man go WEST! Just remember! Sometimes, Heaven can be Bablyon.

I miss White Castles! lol Oh the irony... lol.