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Nursing
Background of Program
The Kauai Community College Nursing Program began as an LPN vocational program in 1958. It became an Associate Degree RN program in 1973 and was established as a career ladder nursing program approved by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents and the Hawaii State Board of Nursing in 1980. Full National Leagues for Nursing accreditation was received for the first time in 1985 and again in 1993 and 2001.
Structurally the Kauai CC Nursing Program is a career ladder program in which students are able to exit after one calendar year eligible to sit for LPN licensure exams (NCLEX LPN) or continue through a second year to be eligible to test for RN licensure (NCLEX RN). Graduates perform at high levels on State Licensure Exams (see below). The program is located in a dedicated site on the Puhi campus near the county seat and major population center of Lihue.
Program Structure
The Kauai Community College Nursing Program is built around the career ladder concept. The faculty believe that ALL levels of nursing are important and contribute to the health care system in diverse and meaningful ways. The faculty also believe that our diverse student population requires many user-friendly entry and exit points in pursuing a nursing career and that there should be academic and career recognition and opportunity at each level. Accordingly, the faculty is committed to providing an educational system that meets these goals through a career ladder that first prepares the student for LPN licensure, then RN licensure, and finally provides easy transfer into BS education and beyond.
Licensure Pass Rates
One way to identify a successful nursing program is by its first-time pass rates on state board exams (NCLEX). This is the percentage of graduates that pass the state boards on their first try. Kauai Community College students have scored at a high level and in 2000 exceeded the state averages and met national averages. The passing average recently dropped in 2007 and because of this the program instituted assessment testing throughout the curriculum. Through detailed assessments and NCLEX review, the pass rates did improve. Please note that some of the LPN graduates elect to continue in the RN program and do not take the LPN Board exam so the numbers below only reflect the graduates taking the exam. All statistics are noted for first attempt.
| Pass rates for 2007-08 State Boards (NCLEX) | |
| RN LPN |
93% (National average 86.9%; 14 of 15 graduates passed on first try) 89% (8 of 9 graduates taking the exam) |
| Pass rates for 2006-07 State Boards (NCLEX) | |
| RN LPN |
74% (National average 85.5%; 20 of 27 graduates passed on first try) 100% (14 of 14 graduates taking the exam) |
| Pass rates for 2005-06 State Boards (NCLEX) | |
| RN LPN |
93% (National average 88.1%;14 of 15 graduates passed on first try) 81% (13 of 16 graduates taking the exam) |
| Pass rates for 2004-05 State Boards (NCLEX) | |
| RN LPN |
89% ( National average 87.3%;16 of 18 graduates passed on first try) 100% (10 of 10 graduates taking the exam) |
| Pass rates for 2003-04 State Boards (NCLEX) | |
| RN LPN |
88% (National average 85.3%;14 of 16 graduates passed on first try) 100% (21 of 21 graduates taking the exam) |
| Pass rates for 2002-03 State Boards (NCLEX) | |
| RN LPN |
92% (National average 87%;11 of 12 graduates passed on first attempt) 100% (14 of 14 graduates taking the exam) |
| Pass rates for 2001-02 State Boards (NCLEX) | |
| RN LPN |
77% (National average 86.7%;13 of 17 graduates on first attempt) 94% (17 of 18 on first attempt |
| Pass Rates for 2000-01 State Boards (NCLEX) | |
| RN LPN |
67% (National average 85.3%;8 of 12 graduates on first attempt) 94% (15 of 16 on first attempt) |
Click here to see First Level requirements, Licenced Practical Nurse
Click here to see Second Level requirements, Registered Nurse
Click here to see how to become a Certified Nurses Aide
Click here to see how to become a Massage Therapist
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Calendar Academic Calendar for Kauai Community College |
Helpful Links Several recommended websites to help on the island of Kauai. |
Career Outlook Occupational Outlook Handbook |
