Where in Oahu to earn an LPN?

WindwardOahuRN, RN · Feb 21, 2010

Hi everyone, I'm currently state side and just finished my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology. My husband recently joined the Navy as an officer and we're PCSing to Hawaii in April. I'm looking for a career that will allow me to work anywhere and am interested in nursing. I've decided it will be best if I do it in steps (start earning my CNA, then LPN, and finally RN) since we'll be moving every few years.
I've searched all over the internet- where in Hawaii can someone earn an LPN? Any advice? I appreciate it.

First of all....Hawaii is part of the United States. So ditch the "state side" reference.

Second of all, there are very few jobs for new grad RN's and even fewer for new grad LPN's. CNA's with hospital experience might snag a job but not easily.

The days of "healthcare professional=golden ticket" are over.

mg9004 · Feb 21, 2010

I never said I was looking for a job. I am looking for a degree. If you read my response you would know I move to a different area of the country every 1-3 years. Secondly, there are jobs for military spouses. We're fortunate enough to have resources normal civilians don't. Also, I don't seem to remember asking for your opinion?

Nursing isn't my "golden ticket" but makes finding a new job every few years much easier because in the continental US there is a shortage. If you call around to hospitals which you've probably never had a reason to because you live in the same place, you would know that.

In the dictionary "stateside" refers to the continental US. Last time I checked HI wasn't attached to the continent. But what do I know? Thanks for the geography lesson.

mg9004 · Feb 21, 2010

I contacted the board of nursing and found my answer. Thanks.

Lisa From Maui · Feb 21, 2010

dear mg9004:

windward is actually one of the most knowledgable most helpful people on this board. she tells it like it is. she is trying to be helpful. you may not see that right now, but really, she is trying to be helpful. you may not like the way she says it, but she's being honest. i would highly suggest you read the last 18 months of posts here on allnurses hawai'i. it's an eye opener.

you wrote, "any advice? i appreciate it." windward oahu rn replied to your post. you later wrote, "i didn't ask for your opinion." i'm confused. you ask for advice. windward gave you advice. then, you seemed to get upset.

there are some people on the islands that really don't like it when you say "stateside." we want to be included in the us, not excluded from it. we call it "the mainland." windward is trying to give you information.

you wrote, "in the continental us there is a shortage." yes, ma'am, there is. look on the right side of this page, at the top. read the article "no country for young nurses." https://allnurses.com/nursing-news/no-country-young-457414.html the lady writes that there is a nursing shortage and new grads can't find jobs. if you read allnurses.com forums for different states, you will probably find that throughout the country - all 50 states - new grads are having a hard time finding jobs.

you wrote, if you call around to hospitals which you've probably never had a reason to because you live in the same place, you would know that." mg, you're not moving to the mainland. you're moving to hawai'i. windward knows more about nursing in hawai'i than you realize. again, you would probably help yourself out - alot - by reading the last 18 months of posts here on this forum.

mg, i'm sure it's extremely difficult being a military spouse, supporting your husband, moving every 3 years. i couldn't do it. i'm sure it's really hard. having to start all over every 3 years... really tough. if what you are looking for, on this forum, is help, support, information, understanding, community, friendship, inclusion... did i mention help and support... you're probably not going to get those things by writing posts like the one you wrote to windward. you probably will get those things by reading and listening. thank you for supporting your husband, thank you to your husband for keeping us safe. lisa ;-)

mg9004 · Feb 21, 2010

First, even if she is well informed her comment was snarky and off topic. I meant to say, "I don't remember asking your opinion about employment."I specifically requested information on where to earn an LPN in Oahu- and she provided nothing constructive. Educational information or advice would have been greatly appreciated and taken to heart.

I could write about the continental US comments, but I won't. You both misunderstood. In reality, we will only be in HI for 2 years (1-3 was very generous on my part). We will then be returning to the continental US where I will seek employment and begin the transition from LPN to RN. Maybe it's different in HI, but where I'm from and the states I've researched it takes 1.5-2 years to earn an LPN. Is it different in HI? If I had three years on the island I would enroll in an accelerated BSN program.

I asked only about education because I only care about education in HI. Not planning on "working" until we move (I volunteer overseas every few years and having an LPN's education would make me much more useful)

As for being a naval spouse it's not that difficult, it's actually pretty excellent. I get to live all over the world and it's paid for- a pretty wonderful perk. I can also find employment almost anywhere because the navy takes care of spouses. We have great support.

Thanks for taking the time to post.

mawarputih · May 15, 2010

Mg, if you are still interested in LPN program, try Kapiolani Community College in Oahu http://www.kcc.hawaii.edu/object/prcn.html or Kauai Community College in Kauai. I am currently enrolled in the program at KCC and will step out after summer as LPN. Good Luck. :)