REGISTERED NURSE
CAREER INFORMATION
Meet Elana!
Hi, I’m Elana! I was born and raised in Massachusetts, eventually moved out west to California, and now am in Maui. Like most professionals in the health field, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.
After initially graduating college with a degree in Psychology and joining the Peace Corps as a health educator, I realized nursing was my calling. I returned to the university for a nursing degree, and it has been my career for more than 20 years. It has been both challenging and rewarding beyond what I could ever have imagined!
What do they do?
What equipment do
they use?
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Administer and monitor medications
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Develop and implement nursing care plans
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Take vital signs and recognize and address abnormalities
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Document accurate patient information
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Patient teaching and assessment
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Ensure patient safety, commonly known as “do no harm”
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Stethoscopes
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Blood pressure cuffs
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Thermometers
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Syringes and lancets
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Education Guide
To become a registered nurse, first take the Test of Essential Academic Skills exam. Then, complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Finally, pass a certification exam and obtain a license to practice.
STEP 1
Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam.
Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam
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Required for admission into most nursing programs
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Duration: 209 minutes
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Sections: reading, math, science, and English and language usage
STEP 2
Complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Associate's Degree
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2 years
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Major in nursing
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Obtain degree at a university or community college
OR
Bachelor's Degree
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4 years
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Major in nursing
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Allows for movement into advanced roles
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Obtain degree at a university
What opportunities are in Hawaiʻi?
University of Hawaii Programs
Associate's Degree In Nursing
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Hawaii Community College
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Hawaii Pacific University
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Kapiolani Community College
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Kauai Community College
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University of Hawaii Maui College
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
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Chaminade University of Honolulu
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Hawaii Pacific University
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
General Courses
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Human Anatomy and Physiology
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Psychology
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Microbiology
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Human Development
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Communication
STEP 3
Pass a certification exam and obtain a license to practice.
Licensing and Certifications
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Take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
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Obtain a state license
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Can obtain certifications to further specialize (e.g. pediatric, medical-surgical, psychiatric)
STEP 4
You may choose to pursue advanced degrees to move into administrative, teaching, or higher-level clinical positions.
Advanced Degrees
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Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
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Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DPN)
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PhD in Nursing
CAREERS
Nursing Specialties
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Plastics
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Cardiac
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Obstetrics
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Operating room
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Pediatrics
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Administration
Nursing Positions
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Travel Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
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Home Health Nurse
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Clinical Nurse Educator
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Public Health Nurse
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Hospice Nurse
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Forensic Nurse
Work Environments
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Hospital
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Outpatient clinic
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School
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University
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Travel nursing agencies
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Government
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Skilled nursing facilities
Salary
Average for the State of Hawaiʻi
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Entry level: $76,648
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Average: $113,214
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Experienced: $137,717
Select the image for full view.​
Median Annual Wages
Median Annual Wages
RESOURCES
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Hawaii Career Explorer
https://uhcc.hawaii.edu/career_explorer/occupations/profile.php?state=HI&soc=29-1141
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Types of Nursing Careers