Rhode Island Nursing Schools
The state of Rhode Island has an extremely strong health care system that relies on the hard work of medical professionals all over the state. Patients can receive prompt, appropriate care in the state’s many clinics and hospitals. By becoming a nurse, you can help contribute to this excellent health care system while building your own career.
Find out more about nursing programs in Rhode Island by contacting those that interest you from the listings below.
There are many ways in which you can use your nursing education to improve the lives of patients in Rhode Island. For example, due to Rhode Island’s large aging population, palliative care is a major part of the nursing industry. Nurses who provide palliative care can ease the transition between life and death while providing comfort to patients and their families.
Becoming a Nurse in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is also known for the quality of its nursing programs. Some have even received national recognition for their success in educating students.
Choosing a nursing school is the first step to enjoying a great career in the field of nursing. If you want to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), consider a certificate or diploma program, both of which typically take one year or less. A slightly longer option is an Associate’s degree in nursing, which leads to a registered nursing (RN) license. You may also get your RN license with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Clinical experience is a significant part of any nursing degree, so you shouldn’t expect to spend all of your time in the classroom. In fact, by the time you graduate, you should have several hundred hours of clinical experience under your belt. Clinical requirements may differ quite a bit from school to school, but will include rotations in many different units and settings.
Some of the courses you may be required to take in nursing school include Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Core Nursing Skills, Nursing Ethics, Patient Communication, and Evidence-Based Practice.
Rhode Island has many organizations, associations, and employers that have financial aid programs for nursing students. You may also wish to look into scholarships funded by your school. The Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island awards scholarships that are worth $500 to $1,000. UNAP awards scholarships that start at $500. Through the Student Nurses Association of Rhode Island, you may qualify for several options.
Working as a Nurse in Rhode Island
The final step of becoming a nurse is getting your license from the Rhode Island Department of Health. Once you have passed the appropriate exam and your application has been approved, you can become a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse.
Licensed practical nurses in Rhode Island may see job openings increase by 24% through 2022 (O*Net, 2012). The average salary for a Rhode Island LPN is $55,410 per year (BLS, 2016).
The demand for registered nurses is also great. Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net hopes to see job openings increase by 14%. BLS.gov reports that the average salary for an RN is $75,200 per year (BLS, 2016).
The variety of health care employers in Rhode Island may make this a great place to work. Furthermore, the industry has excellent support from the surrounding community. A local nursing home was recently kept open through the financial support of a suitor.
Some of the top employers of Registered Nurses in Rhode Island include Rhode Island Hospital, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, Kent Hospital, and Women & Infants Hospital.
Nursing Degree Programs in Rhode Island
If you want more information on specific nursing program options in RI, a list is below.
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in RI
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in RI
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in RI
