Nursing

Overview

The Associate in Science in Nursing at Kapi‘olani Community College is a career ladder program which offers two ways to become a registered nurse as well as acquire the necessary skills to become a licensed practical nurse or certified nurse aide.

The Associate in Science degree in Nursing (ANURS/ADN) Program is for individuals with no previous nursing education and who are interested in becoming a registered nurse. The ANURS/ADN Program can be completed within two years after program prerequisites are completed. After the first semester of this program,students acquire skills to become a certified nurse aide. After the first year and completing the pediatric nursing course, students acquire skills to become a licensed practical nurse.

The LPN-RN Transition (ANURS-LPN)Program is for Licensed Practical Nurses who have a year of nursingexperience and are interested in becoming a registered nurse. This program may be completed in three semesters after prerequisites arecompleted. For more information, click on ANURS-LPN Program.

Nursing Program Career Ladder
Starting in the Fall 2007, a career ladder model will be incorporated into the Associate in Science degree in Nursing program to provide students with an opportunity to obtain training and licensure as a practical nurse, while also pursuing their Associate in Science degree in Nursing training and RN licensure. After completing about a year of the ADN program, ADN students will have an opportunity to register for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam via the Hawai‘i Board of Nursing.

Certification
The Associate in Science degree in Nursing Program prepares graduates for the National Council of Licensure Examination for registered nurses(NCLEX-RN) and to perform as entry level registered nurses. After the first semester of this program, students are eligible to take the Certified Nurse Aide Examination. After the first year and completing the pediatric nursing course, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN examination to become a licensed practical nurse.

Qualities Needed
Important qualities of a nurse include enjoy working with and caringfor people as well as being personable, reassuring, patient, compassionate, honest and reliable. Other qualities include being able to accept, give and use constructive feedback; having good manual dexterity and coordination; being able to act quickly and effectively in emergencies; being able to speak and write well; being able to work independently and within a team; and being able to deal with a variety of emotional expressions.

In order to prepare for a nursing career and program, you will need to develop a strong background in math, science and English; volunteer or work within a hospital, nursing home, clinic or other health care setting; develop good communication, computer, logical thinking and time management skills; take health-related courses; and complete prerequisite courses.

Employment Outlook
There is a demand for nurses in the specialty areas and long-term care facilities.  The average entry-level salary is $23 per hour and with experience $33 per hour or more.

See the KCC college catalog for course descriptions.