So, you’re moving to Hawaii! This is both an exciting and anxious time trying to coordinate for your OCONUS move with all its moving parts, but if you’re a nurse as well, you may be stressing about switching your license. Here’s some basic information to get you started if you are applying for license by endorsement!
This is post contains personal experience and opinions. Always refer to Hawaii Board of Nursing for the most up to date information regarding application for a nursing license in the State of Hawaii.
What to Consider:
- Use the Board of Nursing PDF to guide the requirements for application. The cost of your license is dependent on whether or not you are applying on an odd or even year. See page 3 for the cost breakdown.
- If the state you first obtained your license in participates in Nursys, this is how Hawaii will verify your license/passing of NCLEX. You will have to request verification on your own.
- Hawaii requires fingerprinting. Use this link to find your local center and make an appointment. You must file your application within 30 days of fingerprinting using code “FPHIBrdNursing” so the state receives the results! This costs around $50.
- If you already have a license, you must also perform a self-query at the National Practitioner Data Bank using the following website: www.npdb.hrsa.gov. The cost is $3.
Should I apply for my license before or after I move?
I think the answer is very individual. I personally applied for my license after getting to Oahu so I could focus on unpacking our things and settling my animals. Once I submitted my application, I was licensed within a week but wait times vary. The state I moved from did not have a local fingerprinting location for FieldPrint and that did factor in my decision to wait.
Should I apply to nursing jobs before I move?
The answers on this wildly vary on the island. I would say it depends on the season that you are moving, your specialty, and your experience. If you are not moving for six months remember that hospitals or facilities are looking for people now so that may be too long for them to wait for you even if you are a well-suited applicant.
I’m applying everywhere and not hearing back. What gives?
I work in the operating room so I had to wait for six months for a job posting to come available that worked for my schedule and location. Consider applying for something per diem or in a new area if you are not having luck finding something in your preferred area. Be patient and when in doubt, try to beef up your resume by taking classes or getting certifications.
I would highly suggest getting your ACLS/PALS if you do not have them already. Most acute care facilities on island require this and having it before you start is very valuable. I took my ACLS through Hawaii CPR To Go with Lynn Dagan and she was wonderful. She also offers BLS and PALS. The class offerings are generous and her location is easy to find! She made the class very fun and offers a lot of snacks too!
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