Hawaii Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing Guide
Pre-requisites
The general prerequisites to obtaining a nursing license in the state of Hawaii are as follows:
- You must meet the education or licensing requirements set by the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
- You must submit an online application with the required fees.
- You must provide citizenship or lawful presence documentation to the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
- You must undergo a state and Federal criminal background check.
Remember, a permanent license won't be issued until the background check results are received.
License by Exam
Getting licensed as a nurse by examination in the state of Hawaii requires the following steps:
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet Hawaii licensure requirements and eligibility standards.
- Confirm You Meet Education Requirements: Hold a Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing for RNs, or Diploma/Certificate for LPNs from a program approved by the state Board of Nursing.
- Prepare Appropriate Documentation: Request and upload official transcripts from your nursing program to state portal, upload citizenship/alien status documentation to state portal.
- Pay Fees: You must pay the associated application fees, testing fees, and background check fees.
- Submit to Fingerprinting/Background Check: Provide fingerprints for criminal record checks (if required).
- Pass the NCLEX Exam: Register and pass the NCLEX exam to demonstrate nursing competence.
- Respond to Deficiency Notices: Act promptly to avoid application withdrawal; otherwise, a new application and fee will be required.
After completing the above steps, you’ll be on your way to being licensed as a nurse by exam in the state of Hawaii. Now you need to check your application status. Monitor updates through the online nurse portal provided by the state board for about 30 business days.
License by Endorsement
Licensure by endorsement is a process that allows nurses who hold an active license in another state to obtain a nursing license in Hawaii without having to retake the licensing exam. This can be particularly beneficial for experienced nurses who are looking to relocate or start working in Hawaii.
To apply for licensure by endorsement in Hawaii:
- You must fill out the appropriate application form and pay the associated fees (includes application, license, and fingerprint processing).
- Confirm your residency status in the United States.
- Submit to a state and federal background check. (fingerprinting may be required)
- Verify your nursing license with through the BON’s online portal.
- Have your nursing school send over your official transcripts to the BON.
- Provide proof of employment documenting (500) hours of licensed practice within the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application OR complete a board-approved re-entry program.
Once you’ve completed the above steps, you’ll be on your way to getting a nursing license by endorsement in the state of Hawaii. Applicants can also apply for a temporary nursing permit while they wait for their license by endorsement.
Getting a Multi-state (Compact) License
Hawaii is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses cannot practice in Hawaii using a multistate (compact) license. Travel nurses must apply for and receive a Hawaii-issued nursing license before beginning practice.
Getting a Temporary License
The state of Hawaii unfortunately does not issue temporary nursing licenses. However, the BON does issue a temporary permit for RNs applying for licensure by endorsement.
Renewing your License
Once a nursing license is issued in the state of Hawaii, they are to be renewed by June 30th of every odd-numbered year. Make sure to renew well in advance of your expiration date. This is done electronically and you can pay online. If at any time your license lapses between renewal periods, you will not be able to practice nursing.
To renew your license, you will need to:
- Complete an online application through the state board’s online portal.
- Pay the required fees associated with the online application.
- Provide proof of continuing education credits. (The BON offers several avenues to fulfill this requirement, including completing 30 hours of continuing education hours.)
Remember, licenses are only issued once all of the requirements are fulfilled and all paperwork is sent to the BON and processed.
Contact Info
King Kalakaua Building
335 Merchant Street #301
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-2695
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Wanderly strives to keep this information up to date but does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness as nursing licensure requirements, renewal cycles, fees, and continuing education obligations vary by state and are subject to change without notice. Nurses are strongly encouraged to visit their state's official nursing board website or contact the board directly to confirm current requirements prior to submitting any application.
