Nurses are licensed health care professionals who take care of patients who are injured and sick. The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of registered nurses to climb by 22 percent through 2018, and employment of licensed practical/vocational nurses to climb 21 percent. This is fitting in Hilo, Hawaii, where health care is a top industry, reports City-Data.com. Average registered nurse (RN) salaries in Hilo in 2010 were $48,000, while average licensed practical nurse (LPN) salaries were $35,000, according to SimplyHired.com. Multiple schools in Hilo train students to enter the growing field of nursing.
Degrees
Hilo nursing schools offer programs such as an LPN certificate program that lasts 40 weeks as well as a two-year RN associate degree program, according to Hawaii Community College. A four-year bachelor's degree program that prepares students to become RNs additionally is available in Hilo, reports the University of Hawaii. RN programs are longer because RNs have a greater scope of practice than do LPNs. RN programs in Hilo hold accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
Admission
To get into a Hilo nursing school, students must demonstrate proficient skills in math, reading and writing by completing or testing into courses in these subject areas, reports Hawaii Community College. Students at the community college also must submit their National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam scores in practical or registered nursing. In addition, students have to complete prerequisite courses including microbiology, human anatomy/physiology, speech and human development. LPNs who have at least one year of experience in the nursing field can apply to the Hawaii Community College RN associate degree program on an LPN transition track. Meanwhile, RNs who already have an associate degree can pursue their bachelor's degree in Hilo, according to the University of Hawaii.
Courses
Classes in a Hilo RN training program cover topics such as mental health nursing, field issues and trends, family health nursing care, adult health nursing and nursing management. LPN program courses include human development, child health and maternity nursing, according to Hawaii Community College. Four-year nursing students in Hilo additionally study pharmacology, health assessment, human pathophysiology and gerontological health, reports the University of Hawaii. Other courses involve health care policy, health information technology, gerontological nursing and nursing research. Hilo nursing students practice on manikins in a simulated hospital environment and/or complete hands-on clinical experiences as well, where they learn skills such as giving injections or administering medications.
Licensure
Hilo nursing school programs prepare students to take the Hawaii licensure examination--the National Council Licensure Exam, or NCLEX, for registered nursing or practical nursing. The Hawaii Board of Nursing recognizes the city's nursing programs. After students earn their nursing licenses, they expire on June 30 of each odd-numbered year and must be renewed by meeting continuing education requirements, according to the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Opportunities
After completing a Hilo nursing training program, students can find employment in a wide variety of settings such as long-term care facilities and hospitals. Potential local employment sites include the Hilo Medical Center, one of the largest employers in Hilo and the largest facility in the Hawaii Health Systems Corp. Practical nursing program graduates must work under the supervision of a registered nurse and/or physician.
Member Comments