
Rhode Island is experiencing an increase in demand for nurses, just as everywhere else in the country. This makes it an interesting place to enter the nursing workforce, where you can also enjoy an average annual salary of $74,080. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that this salary is rising. So how do you become a nurse in Rhode Island?
ENTRY LEVEL PRACTICE NURSES
Entering the nursing workforce is a three stage process. STAGE 1. CHOOSE WHETHER YOU WANT TO BECOME AN LPN OR AN RN. The LPN (licensed practical nurse) should have completed a one year diploma program, while the RN (registered nurse) should have finished a two year associate’s degree (ADN) or four year bachelor’s degree (BSN). The longer you study, the better your job and growth prospects, and the better your salary. STAGE 2. COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS. These vary depending on the school. Most ADN and BSN programs will require you to complete a number of undergraduate courses. STAGE 3. PASS YOUR NCLEX EXAM. The NCLEX examination for LPNs is the NCLEX-PN while the NCLEX-RN is for RNs.ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES
According to the Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education, becoming an APN (advanced practice nurse) in Rhode Island is a four stage process. STAGE 1. COMPLETE A GRADUATE DEGREE THAT IS REGIONALLY ACCREDITED, OR ACCREDITED BY AN AGENCY THAT THE BOARD RECOGNIZES. You can check whether or not the program meets the necessary requirements through the U.S. Department of Education. In order for the program to be recognized, it must include didactic studies as well as a supervised clinical experience. There are additional requirements for each recognized area of specialization, as follows:- CRNP (Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner) – you must complete a master’s degree (MSN) in nursing as a minimum.
- CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) – you must complete an MSN with a psychiatric and mental health nursing concentration.
- CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) – you must complete a program that is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
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