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LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

CAREER INFORMATION

Meet Mellissa!

Hi. I’m Mellissa Baula and I was born and raised in Maui. I attended Baldwin high school and was an avid soccer player. After high school, I attended Oregon State University where I majored in Pharmacy, but I eventually decided that I wanted to pursue Nursing. I returned home and attended UHMC where I completed my LPN in 2004 and continued to become an RN in 2005. Over the years, I have worked as an RN, but started off as an LPN. I love to take care of others in the community and wanted a lifelong career that allowed me to do so on a daily basis.

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What do they do?
What equipment do 
they use?

  • Monitor patients' health—for example, by checking their blood pressure

  • Administer basic patient care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters

  • Provide for the basic comfort of patients, such as helping them bathe or dress

  • Discuss the care they are providing with patients and listen to their concerns

  • Report patients' status and concerns to registered nurses and doctors

  • Keep records on patients' health

  • Stethoscope

  • Blood pressure cuff

  • Thermometer

  • Catheter

  • Syringes

  • Suturing Materials

  • Ear-scope

RESPONSIBILITIES
EDUCATION
Education Guide

To become a  licensed practical nurse, complete a CNA certification. Next, complete an LPN program and pass certification to obtain a license.

STEP 2

Complete an accredited LPN program.

  • 12-month program

  • Can lead to a degree or a certification

STEP 1

Complete CNA certification.

CNA Certification

  • Learn the skills to assist patients and healthcare teams

  • 6-month Nurse Aide program

  • Pass the end of course exam

STEP 3

Licensing, Certifications, and Registrations

  • Take and pass two exams to obtain a license to practice in a state:

    • National Council Licensure Examination- Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) - earns LPN license​

      • Must complete LPN/LVN educational program before taking the exam​

  • May choose to take additional certifications for further specialization

General Courses

  • Biology

  • Microbiology

  • Physiology

  • Pharmacology

  • Medical-surgical nursing

  • First aid

  • Chemistry

  • Anatomy

  • Foods and nutrition

  • Psychology

  • Child growth and development

  • Emergency medical technology

What opportunities are in Hawaiʻi?

Kapi'olani Community College

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LPN Certification Program

  • 1 year

University of Hawaii – Maui College

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LPN Certification Program

  • 1 year

CAREERS
CAREERS

Licensed Practical Nurse Specialties

  • IV therapy

  • Long-term care

  • Pharmacology

  • Nephrology

  • Urology

  • Wound care

  • Correctional health

  • Hospice and palliative care

  • Gerontology

Work Environments

  • Nursing homes and extended care facilities

  • Hospitals

  • Physicians' offices

  • Private homes

Work Schedule

  • Most work full time

  • Shifts may be longer than 8 hours

  • Some may work nights, weekends, and/or holidays

Salary
Average for the State of Hawaiʻi

  • Entry level: $46,758

  • Average: $55,723

  • Experienced: $65,874

*Job Market Trends*

*Average pay as of 2024*

SOURCE: Hawaii Career Explorer

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