Health Care and Medical Sector Jobs
Major Hospitals and Clinics
Honolulu boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, catering to both its residents and the large number of tourists who visit the island. Some of the most prominent healthcare facilities include The Queen's Medical Center, Straub Medical Center, and Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children. These hospitals are not only pivotal in providing care but also play a significant role in employment for medical professionals.
The Queen's Medical Center, located in downtown Honolulu, is the largest private hospital in Hawaii. It offers specialized services ranging from emergency care and trauma to oncology and cardiology. Straub Medical Center, affiliated with Hawaii Pacific Health, emphasizes services like orthopedics and cancer treatment, while Kapi'olani Medical Center is renowned for pediatric and women's health services.
In addition to these major hospitals, a variety of outpatient clinics and health centers, such as the Waikiki Health Center and the Honolulu VA Clinic, contribute to the accessibility of medical services, offering opportunities for professionals in various health care roles.
Nursing and Medical Support Staff
The nursing and medical support staff in Honolulu constitute a critical backbone of the health care sector. Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are in high demand across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The Queen's Medical Center and Straub Medical Center frequently recruit nursing staff to meet patient care needs and cover specialized areas such as ICU, emergency, or pediatric nursing.
Medical support staff, including radiologic technologists, phlebotomists, and medical laboratory technicians, play essential roles in the efficient functioning of health care facilities. Their work is fundamental in diagnostics and maintaining high standards of patient care.
Table: Average Annual Salaries for Nursing and Medical Support Roles in Honolulu
| Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $98,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $60,000 |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $35,000 |
| Radiologic Technologist | $75,000 |
| Medical Laboratory Technician | $60,000 |
Administrative and Technical Roles in Health Care
Beyond direct care roles, the health care sector in Honolulu requires a diverse range of administrative and technical staff to ensure smooth operations. Health care administrators and managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing health services delivery. Roles in health information management and medical coding are increasingly critical due to the rise in digital health records and insurance requirements.
Hospital and clinic settings also require technical maintenance staff for medical equipment, IT professionals for electronic health systems, and customer service teams to manage patient interactions and queries.
For individuals seeking administrative roles, proficiency in healthcare regulations, patient privacy laws, and a foundational understanding of medical terminology are valuable assets. Programs at institutions like the University of Hawaii and local community colleges offer certifications and degrees to prepare students for these demanding roles.
Additional resources, such as workshops and online courses, are available for those looking to upskill or specialize in emerging areas like telehealth and medical informatics, reflecting the evolving nature of health care delivery in Honolulu.
