The Aloha State's Top 10: Most Valuable Nurses Benefits
Hawaii's highlights for nursing professionals include its "Full Practice Authority" status for APRNs, a uniquely flexible license renewal system, and a valuable tax credit for preceptors. Here's the full WeSalute ranking for the top ten professional resources and benefits for nurses in Hawaii:
- Flexible Continuing Competency (RNs/LPNs): This is a standout benefit. To renew a license, Hawaii RNs and LPNs are not required to complete 30 CEUs. Instead, they must satisfy one of several options, including:
• 30 contact hours of CE
• National certification in their specialty
• A board-approved refresher course
• 2 semester credits of post-licensure nursing education
• Acting as a preceptor for at least 120 hours - Full Practice Authority for APRNs: This is a career-defining benefit. Hawaii grants full, independent practice authority to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). This allows them to practice to the full extent of their education and training, including evaluating patients, diagnosing, and prescribing medications, without a mandated collaborative agreement with a physician.
- Healthcare Preceptor Tax Credit: A high-value and unique incentive, Hawaii offers a non-refundable $1,000 income tax credit to APRNs (and other healthcare providers) for each uncompensated clinical rotation of at least 80 hours they supervise. Preceptors can claim this credit for up to five rotations, for a maximum of $5,000 per year.
- Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP): This program provides substantial scholarships for Native Hawaiian students pursuing careers in nursing and other health professions. In exchange for a 2- to 4-year service commitment in an underserved area of Hawaii, the program pays for tuition, fees, other educational costs, and provides a monthly stipend.
- Licensure by Endorsement (Non-Compact State): A critical fact for all nurses is that Hawaii is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. This means all nurses from other states must apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires a separate application, fee, and verification of their original license.
- Hawaiʻi Nurses' Association (HNA): The HNA (OPEIU Local 50, AFL-CIO) is the state's primary professional organization, which also functions as a powerful labor union. It provides strong collective bargaining for wages, benefits, and working conditions at major hospitals, as well as legislative advocacy.
- Hawaiʻi State Center for Nursing: This is a key state-level resource. The Center administers the Preceptor Tax Credit, provides continuing education, supports nurse residency programs, and gathers and reports essential nursing workforce data to address shortages and policy.
- Hawaii State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): This program offers loan repayment assistance to nurses (including RNs and APRNs) and other healthcare providers who agree to a two-year service commitment in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) in Hawaii.
- APRN Prescriptive Authority (Rx): As part of their full practice authority, APRNs in Hawaii can gain prescriptive authority, including for controlled substances. To renew, they must complete 30 hours of CE, with at least 8 hours in advanced pharmacology and 22 hours in their practice specialty.
- Professional Liability Insurance: While many employers provide malpractice coverage, nurses are strongly encouraged to carry their own individual liability insurance policy . This provides personal protection for their license and assets in the event of a lawsuit or board complaint.
It is critical to contact the Hawaii Board of Nursing for all official information on licensure, scope of practice, and continuing education. Professional associations like the HNA are the primary resource for advocacy, networking, and career development.
Contact Information:
Address:
King Kalakaua Building 335
Merchant Street, Room 301
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 1-808-586-3000
