Becoming a licensed nurse in Hawaii involves meeting education and examination standards, passing background checks, and understanding state licensing regulations set by the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Navigating Hawaii’s nursing credentialing process empowers healthcare professionals to advance their careers. This guide covers core requirements for initial licensure, renewal, endorsements, and options for expanding your nursing practice in Hawaii.
Hawaii Nursing Schools
- Number of nursing schools in Hawaii is 9
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Hawaii ADN programs is 89.33%.
- Average NCLEX passing rate for Hawaii BSN programs is 85.16%.
- Find the best ranked Hawaii nursing schools here, RN to BSN programs here, ABSN programs and Nurse Practitioner programs here.
Hawaii Nursing Licenses at A Glance
| Type | Status |
|---|---|
| eNLC | No |
| Walk-Through | No |
| Temp License | Yes |
| Nursys | Yes |
| BON Website | Hawaii Board of Nursing |
| Contact Phone | (808) 586-3000 |
Steps in the Licensure Process for Hawaii Nurses
| Step in Licensure Process | Timeframe for Hawaii | Cost ($ USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Nursing Program (ADN/BSN) | 2-4 years | Varies by program |
| Apply for Authorization to Test (ATT) | Varies | Included in licensure application fee |
| Register for NCLEX Exam | Immediate (upon receiving ATT) | $200 (NCLEX registration fee) |
| Fingerprinting/Background Check | 2-6 weeks | $48.25 (Fieldprint fee for Hawaii) |
| Take NCLEX Exam | Available year-round | Included in registration |
| Await NCLEX Results | Up to 6 weeks | No separate fee |
| Apply for State Licensure | Approximately 45-60 business days | $234 or $166 (depending on issue date) |
| Temporary License Issued | After meeting all requirements | $50 |
| Obtain Official Nursing License | After successful NCLEX and application | Included in licensure application fee |
| Renewal of License | Every two years by June 30 of odd years | $196 |
| Continuing Education | Biennial requirement | Varies by provider of continuing education |
Key Considerations:
- Complete Nursing Program: Duration and cost depend on whether you pursue an ADN or BSN.
- Apply for ATT and Register for NCLEX: Do this as soon as eligible to avoid delays.
- Fingerprinting/Background Check: Costs and timing can vary; ensure accuracy to avoid re-fingerprinting fees.
- State Licensure: Application costs are variable based on biennial calendar; complete all items accurately to prevent delays.
- Temporary License: Available while awaiting permanent licensure; must be employed by specific employer in Hawaii.
- Renewal of License: Renewal fees are uniform for RNs and LPNs; be mindful of the fixed expiry date regardless of issue date.
- Continuing Education: Must complete approved learning activity within the prior biennium; verify with BON for acceptable options.
Hawaii Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Licenses
APRN Data: Full Practice
- Education Requirements: APRNs must complete a graduate-level program in a recognized role: CNP, CRNA, CNS, or CNM. Learn how to become an NP.
- Certification: APRNs must earn national certification for their role and population focus. Options include CRNP, CRNA, CNS, and CNM.
- State Licensure: Regulated by the Hawaii Board of Nursing, including application, fees, and proof of education and certification.
- Prescriptive Authority: APRNs in Hawaii have prescriptive authority, with some stipulations possibly applying.
- Renewal and Continuing Education: Licensure must be renewed periodically, along with completion of continuing education or practice hours.
- Full Practice Authority: Hawaii grants APRNs full practice authority, allowing independent practice without physician oversight. Refer to the Nursing Practice Act for details.
- eNLC Participation: Hawaii has pending legislation for eNLC participation.
- Scope of Practice: State law defines the scope, including patient assessment, diagnosis, and management.
- Role-Specific Requirements: Each APRN role may have additional requirements.
- Transition to Practice: Some states may require transitionary practice periods for new APRNs.
- Insurance and Liability: APRNs should consider their need for malpractice insurance based on state regulations.
Initial Licensure by Exam in Hawaii
Gaining RN or LPN nursing licensure in Hawaii by exam requires graduating from a state-approved program, passing the NCLEX exam, undergoing a background check, and submitting proper applications.
Each step holds deep significance for ensuring licensees demonstrate the ethics, knowledge and capabilities expected of safe, professional registered and practical nurses.
Key Hawaii Licensure Steps, Timeframes & Fees
Education
- Earn a diploma or degree from a Hawaii board-approved RN or LPN nursing program
- Program length ranges from 1-4 years depending on full or part-time status
Examination
- Upon program completion, register and sit for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam
- Expect results within 7-14 business days
- Pay exam fees around $200
Application
- Submit the Application for Licensure by Exam in Hawaii
- Application processing takes 4-6 weeks
- Pay $140 application fee
- Initial license costs $94
Background Check
- Complete electronic fingerprinting; results return in 30 days
- Pay $74.50 fingerprinting fee
- Submit prints within 30 days of application
Licensure by Endorsement in Hawaii
The endorsement pathway allows current RNs and LPNs from other U.S. states and territories to transfer licenses through verification of active status. This simplifies relocation for experienced nurses.
Hawaii’s endorsement requires submitting license verifications along with passing state background checks before applying.
Endorsement Steps, Timeframes & Fees
- Verification: Request official license verifications through Nursys or your original state board
- Background Check: $74.50 fingerprinting fee; results in 30 days
- Application: Submit endorsement application in 60 days; fee is $166-$234
- Temporary Permit: Optional permit issued in 14 days for $50 pending full endorsement
Meeting requirements prompts the Hawaii Board of Nursing to issue a permanent endorsement license within 45-60 business days.
Maintaining an Active Hawaii License
Hawaii’s RN and LPN license renewal rules require completing continuing education, submitting renewal paperwork, and paying fees every 2 years. This upholds competence.
Hawaii License Renewal
- Renewal Cycle: Licenses expire June 30 of odd years
- Application: Complete renewal application with $196 fee
- Continuing Education: Finish one 16 hour state-approved activity
Adhering to renewal expectations allows ongoing active nursing practice in Hawaii.
Earning CEUs for License Renewal
Continuing education reinforces nurses’ expertise in clinical standards, technologies, patient-centered care models and ethical practices. Hawaii’s Board of Nursing exclusively accepts CE activities directly authorized through their office, including:
Competency Criteria
- 2 Academic Credits in approved nursing courses
- 30 Hours of pre-qualified continuing education
- National Certification in a specialty area
- Presenting/Publishing sanctioned nursing materials
Appropriate CEU topics should enhance clinical judgment, address relevant regulations and introduce best practices.
Joining Hawaii’s Nurse Licensure Compact
Hawaii does not currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). However, pending legislation could permit reciprocal multi-state license privileges for qualifying nurses.
Possible NLC membership would:
- Allow authorized RNs/LPNs to practice in other compact states using Hawaii licenses
- Mandate licensees maintain primary Hawaii residency
- Preserve state licensing authority while connecting to the national compact
Stay updated on Hawaii’s NLC status through the Nurse Licensure Compact Commission.
Pursuing Advanced Licensure in Hawaii
Licensed RNs have pathways to gain specialized credentials as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) through accredited Master’s programs, national certification testing, and Hawaii state licensure.
Common advanced roles like Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives and Registered Nurse Anesthetists require deep expertise and advanced clinical capabilities.
APRN Licensure Pathway
- Complete graduate coursework & 500+ clinical hours
- Pass population-focus certification exams
- Apply for Hawaii APRN license endorsement
Investing to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse allows providing a higher level of evidence-based patient care.
Rooting licensure information in primary sources provides nurses trusted guidance on managing this meaningful process in Hawaii at every career stage. Please let me know if you would like me to elaborate on any section further!
Frequently Asked Licensing Questions in Hawaii
- How do I check the status of my Hawaii nurse license application?
You can check your application status using the state’s Application Status and License Lookup or call (808) 586-2695. - I’m licensed in another state but moving to Hawaii for a job. Can I still work per diem in my original state?
If Hawaii joins the Nurse Licensure Compact in the future, qualifying nurses could potentially gain multi-state license privileges to practice in both home and remote states. However without current compact membership, you must earn separate licenses in each state to remain in legal practice. - Will my LPN license transfer to RN status in Hawaii?
No, LPN and RN licenses require separate applications and have different practice authorities in Hawaii. To transition from LPN to RN, you must complete further RN education and pass the NCLEX-RN exam before applying for RN licensure.
