Become a Registered Nurse in Rhode Island - RI

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 19 2010

How to Become an RN in Rhode Island

The first step to becoming a nurse in Rhode Island is to examine schools offering Rhode Island RN programs. After finding potential nursing schools, the next step is to apply. Generally, postsecondary schools require a high school diploma or GED, letters of recommendation, experience in the field, etc. Individuals may want to volunteer or obtain CNA certification to gain experience in the field.  Nursing programs will require courses in theory, practice, biology, psychology and clinical hours. After successfully completing nursing coursework leading to a degree, the next step is to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Once the exam has been passed, the next step is to send exam scores, nursing school transcripts, and licensure application should be sent to the Board. Once the Board receives and processes the license application and issues a license, individuals are eligible to practice in the Rhode Island. If individuals are licensed in another state, they may be eligible to apply for licensure in Rhode Island by endorsement.  After receiving an RN license nurses are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education credits annually. 

Registered Nurse Licensure in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, the Board of Nursing Regulation and Nursing Education, which is a division of the Department of Health, regulates the nursing profession in the State.  The Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education oversees licenses for registered nurses in the state.  Additionally, the Board evaluates nursing educational programs and sets standards of nursing practice as embodied in the Nursing Practice Act. There are additional licensing requirements for specialty nurse practice areas such as nurse practitioners or psychiatric nursing specialist. In order to obtain a nursing license in Rhode Island an individual must:

• be of good moral character
• be a high school graduate or obtain a GED
• complete a nursing program from an accredited institution
• Pass the NCLEX-RN exam or obtain licensure by endorsement, if licensed as a nurse in another state.
• Complete and application for licensure and pay $130 licensure fee

RN Professional Associations in Rhode Island 

There are many opportunities for Registered Nurses in Rhode Island to join professional associations that advocate for the profession.  The Rhode Island State Nurses Association is the state member organization of the American Nurses Association.  The Rhode Island State Nurses Association provides membership benefits such as discounts on continuing education costs, professional volunteer opportunities, newsletters, etc. The major benefit of joining a professional organization is staying connected to other nursing professionals and progress in the field.  For more information contact:

Rhode Island State Nurses Association
700 Butler Drive
Providence, RI 02906
Phone: 401-331-5644
Fax: 401-331-5646
http://www.risnarn.org

The Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island is a not-for-profit organization that promotes nursing in the State of Rhode Island. The Foundation provides scholarship opportunities to nursing students, so individuals thinking about a nursing career may find the Foundation a helpful resource. The Foundation also promotes nursing practice research by providing grants of up to $2500. Application and research grant guidelines are available on the Nursing Foundations website.
Contact Information: 

Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island
P.O. Box 41702
Providence, RI 02940
Phone: 401-223-9680
E-mail: nfri@rinursingfoundation.org
Website: http://www.rinursingfoundation.org/contact.htm

The United Nurses & Allied Professionals Association is a regional organization based in Rhode Island, which advocates for health care needs in Rhode Island, Vermont and Connecticut.  They provide political advocacy resources and nursing reforms.

United Nurses & Allied Professionals
375 Branch Ave.
Providence, RI 02904
Phone: 401-831-3647
Fax: 401-831-3677
Website: http://www.unap.org