If you would like to care for patients, communicate with doctors, administer medicine and checking vital signs, then you should definitely try out nursing.
In the state of Rhode Island, you must obtain a nursing license to practice nursing. This guide is to educate you on the details of becoming a licensed nurse in Rhode Island.
Before you can call yourself a licensed professional nurse, you must go through the following steps.
Always remember that education is the key. Thus, you should enroll in a nursing program and graduate from it. See to it that the professional nursing program is board-approved so that you get reliable education, which corresponds with the standards of the state.
During the nursing program, you will receive much knowledge on Psychology, Physiology, Nursing Fundamentals, Microbiology, Gerontoloy, Psychology and Mental Health. The nursing program may also introduce you to Pharmacology, Women and Infant Health and other main nursing subjects.
To apply for the nursing license in the state of Rhode Island, you should complete all the required steps properly. After you complete them, you should apply online for the license.
It is quite important to know that passing a background check is a state requirement, which must be completed. Make sure you complete the criminal history check before taking the NCLEX, as the state of Rhode Island will not authorize you to take the exam without reviewing your background.
When you meet the educational standards set by the state, you may take the National Council Licensure Examination. If you want to become a licensed practical nurse, then you must take the NCLEX-PN. On the other hand, if you want to become a registered nurse, you should take the NCLEX-RN.
Note that you may register and schedule the exam before you apply for the nursing license. Click here to register for the exam.
You should pay $200 for each time you attempt to pass the NCLEX. You may pay by credit, debit, or prepaid card, using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
In case you fail the exam, you will have the chance to retake it. However, that will also require paying another $200 and submitting necessary paperwork.
It might be helpful to know that you may also work as a graduate nurse while waiting to take the NCLEX. This way you will be working under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Rhode Island Board of Nursing
3 Capitol Hill, Room 103
Providence, RI 02908
TEL: 401-222-5700
FAX: 401-222-6683
In Rhode Island, it will take you approximately seven or ten weeks to receive your nursing license.
The state of Rhode Island requires professional nurses to renew their nursing licenses every two years. Therefore, you should renew your license when it is due to expire so that you can use it.
The main requirement for the nursing license renewal is presenting the national certification. The reason for this is to state that you have completed the required ten 10 contact hours of continuing education. Two of these hours must be in substance abuse.
Follow this link to renew the Rhode Island nursing license.