Hawaii’s healthcare providers are embracing the BSN degree as the new educational standard. This is undoubtedly is a direct consequence of the Institute of Medicine’s vision to dramatically increase the proportion of baccalaureate-educated nurses to 80% by 2020. The Hawaii Center of Nursing recently published its 2017 Annual Report to chart the state’s progress towards this goal. Here are some quick highlights:
- 53% of nurses nationwide hold BSNs. 73% of nurses in Hawaii hold BSNs.
- In 2014 only 53% of nurses entered the field with a BSN or higher degree. Since then, the percentage has risen to 76%
- 62% of ADN nurses currently enrolled in school are enrolled in BSN degree programs.
This changing attitude toward the BSN credential is precisely why LPNs throughout the state are flocking to LPN-BSN programs. But money is a strong incentive too. According to glassdoor.com, in May 2017 the LPN salary range in Hawaii was $34,000-$56,000 while the salary range for RNs was $52,000-$91,000. Interested in locking down a new position that’s going to give you access to that kind of high-end RN salary? Start by enrolling in an LPN-BSN program and watch your career take off.
Your Post-Licensure BSN Options as an LPN in Hawaii
Not surprisingly, the few LPN-BSN programs in Hawaii have a limited number of seats, but there are excellent options available right here in Honolulu. Keep in mind that admission into LPN-BSN programs can be quite competitive so make sure your ducks are in a tight row before submitting your application. School administrators in Hawaii often consider a wide-range of factors during the application process, including:
- LPN/LVN license status
- Test of Essential Academic Skills score
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Completion of pre-requisite courses
- College course GPAs
Core LPN to BSN Coursework Requirements
Every LPN-BSN program in Hawaii consists of core nursing course requirements that will prepare you for the different facets of working with diverse patient populations in all kinds of healthcare settings. Some examples include:
- Comprehensive Nursing Care
- Pathopharmacology
- Health Assessment & Promotion
- Mental Health Nursing
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing
- Child & Family Health
- Community Health Nursing
- Gerontology
LPN to BSN Clinical Requirements
The most exhilarating aspect of any LPN-BSN program is participating in clinical rotations. During this portion, you’ll trade the hum-drum classroom setting for actual clinical practice in settings that range from major hospitals and medical centers, to specialty clinics and even schools. While fine-tuning newly acquired skills, you also rub elbows with elite medical professionals, interact with patients from all walks of life, and grow confident in your ability to become a better nurse.
Examples of clinical sites used in Hawaii include:
- Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children
- Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center
- Castle Medical Center
- Kaiser Permanente Hawaii
- Pali Momi Medical Center
- Maui Health System
- Wilcox Medical Center
- Tripler Army Medical Center
How to Migrate from LPN to RN Licensure with the Hawaii Board of Nursing
After graduating from a LPN-BSN program, it’s time to take the NCLEX RN and upgrade your license. You’ll find that there’s far greater advancement opportunities along with higher salaries when you hold an RN license and BSN degree. The process of migrating your license follows these easy steps:
- Submit an “Application for License by Exam” to the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
- Wait to receive the NCLEX/CAT Candidate Bulletin and registration form.
- Register for the NCLEX-RN exam through Pearson Vue.
- Wait to receive an “Authorization to Test” notification.
- Schedule your NCLEX-RN exam at a Pearson Vue test site location.
- Wait to receive RN license from the Board of Nursing.