Nurse Residency: RN Career in Hawaii

Job Description

Join Hilo Benioff Medical Center and be part of a team that proudly cares for our friends, family, and neighbors across East Hawaiʻi.

Ready to launch your nursing career in a supportive, hands‑on environment? The Nurse Residency Program is designed specifically for new nursing graduates and nurses who are just starting their careers and ready to sit for their NCLEX RN Exam. Through this program, Graduate Nurses receive structured training, mentorship, and real‑world experience as they transition into professional practice. Graduate Nurses work alongside experienced preceptors while building the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a healthcare setting.

The program includes learning the role of a Nurse Aide before transitioning into providing nursing care as a Registered Professional Nurse II.

The Nurse Residency Program offers opportunities throughout the East Hawaii Region, including the following:

• Hilo Benioff Medical Center’s Intermediate/Extended Care (long‑term care, 100% FTE)
• East Hawaii Health Clinics (100% FTE)
• Honoka’a Hospital (long‑term care, 90% FTE)
• Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home (long‑term care, 100% FTE)

If you’re interested in additional Nurse Residency Program opportunities, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). To be considered, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to apply for.

Applications for this year’s Nurse Residency Program close on April 17, 2026. All application materials (including pre‑employment assessments) must be submitted by this time.

• Provide direct patient care and assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, feeding, mobility, and transfers.
• Monitor, measure, and accurately document vital signs, intake/output, patient observations, and report changes in condition to licensed nursing staff.
• Assist with routine clinical procedures and treatments under the direction of licensed personnel, including specimen collection, oxygen application, enemas, and range‑of‑motion exercises.
• Support patient comfort, safety, and well‑being by maintaining a clean, safe environment, following infection control protocols, and assisting with transportation, meals, and recreational activities.
• Communicate respectfully with patients and families, maintain confidentiality, contribute to care planning, and participate in education, admissions, transfers, and discharge processes.
• Learn the unit workflow and observe the role and responsibilities of the department RN in preparation for the Nurse Residency Program.

• Education: Graduation with a Bachelor’s or Associates degree from an accredited college or university in Nursing and eligible for RN licensure.
  Bachelor’s degree is highly desirable.
• Experience: No prior experience required—this role is designed for new graduates.
• Licensure required for Graduate Nurse II positions:
  • Current State of Hawaii Practical Nurse license and eligibility for RN licensure,
    or;
  • Current State of Hawaiʻi license to practice as a professional nurse

• Certification: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 1 month of hire.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts and in various care settings or units.

• 13 paid holidays each year (104 hours); 14 (112 hours) during election years.
• 21 paid vacation days (168 hours) per year.
• 21 paid sick days (168 hours) per year.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Participation in the State of Hawaii’s retirement system.
• Potential eligibility for various student loan repayment & scholarship programs.

Rates listed for paid holidays, vacation and sick days are for 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions assigned to 8 hour shifts. Accruals for these benefits are otherwise prorated based on FTE.

Offers of employment will be contingent on successfully passing a pre‑employment examination, which includes a drug screen and other regulatory medical requirements such as, but not limited to, a tuberculosis (TB) screen. The cost for drug screening and blood draw for Quanti

FERON and Titers, shall be borne by the Hawaii Health…