Competencies of new registered nurses: a survey of deans and health care agencies in the state of Hawaii.

In Hawaii, a survey of schools of nursing and health care agencies revealed significant differences in the perceived competencies of new registered nurse graduates. When directors of nursing were asked if new graduates meet expectations, more than 42% said no. This survey identifies that numerous discrepancies exist between agency expectations and what is actually practiced in the clinical setting. Suggestions for achieving competencies in both academic and agency settings are offered.