What type of NP is marketable in Hawaii?

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jul 12, 2014

Do you live in Hawaii? I don't live there but know a few NP's who work there as ACNP's in Neuro ICU and Cardiology. I had an offer to work there actually in both those specialties. However, I've visited some of the islands and I have an impression that much of the healthcare needs there are community-based, hence, I would say that FNP's doing primary care are likely needed especially since Hawaii is an independent NP practice state.

NurseAngelaa · Jul 13, 2014

Hi Juan. Thanks for the reply. I'm from Hawaii but joined the Army and left Hawaii right after I graduated from nursing school. I'm planning on moving back home and would like to pursue my masters now that I have the option to. I would like to do acute care NP and work in the hospital but after looking online I haven't seen many jobs for NPs in general and it worries me a bit. Do you know if the jobs that your friends got and you were offered in Hawaii was looking for someone with experience?

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jul 13, 2014

The Cardiology position was in Maui and was proposed to me from NP's I knew from when I worked in Michigan. The hospital was expanding their Cardiology program and was interested in hiring NP's. My NP friends started the program actually. That was over two years ago.

The Neuro ICU position I was told of by Neuro-intensivist fellows who used to work with us here in California and are now attendings there. This in Honolulu. They hire new grads as some of our former ACNP students interviewed and got hired there.

Unfortunately, when you're just starting out, it's hard to be in the know as far as where the jobs are. But what you should do is network early as much as you could. I also think that you could never go wrong with FNP. I think Hawaii only has one ACNP program so you will likely see more FNP's there.

NurseAngelaa · Jul 15, 2014

Thanks for your reply. It seems like a lot of jobs in Hawaii are based off of networking. I think I will go for my FNP. I'm sure I'll be able to get a job, I just might have to relocate or it might take longer than I'd want.