Rhode Island’s name is a bit of a misnomer, considering that the state lies on the mainland and that the island referred to in the name is generally known as Aquidneck Island. But the ocean does make up such a large portion of the state (14% of the state is ocean, bays, and inlets) that it is known as “the Ocean State.” If you come from this tiny but densely populated state and are searching for LPN licensing information for Rhode Island, continue reading. You will also find information about the composition of LPN courses in Rhode Island, a description of some typical job duties for LPNs, general licensing information for Rhode Island, and finally some information about Rhode Island schools that might have Practical Nursing curriculum or schooling programs.
Studying to be a Licensed Practical Nurse: General Information
Programs that teach LPNs in Rhode Island tend to resemble RN programs in that they mostly consist of nursing-specific classes, lab time, and clinicals. Some LPN programs may also require students to take foundational courses like science or writing. Examples of nursing classes that may be taught during an LPN schooling program are things like anatomy, medical measurements, and classes on other medical topics. Labs may accompany some of these classes which allows students the opportunity to refine the practical skills that they may have learned in class. Usually, an instructor will oversee the lab, teaching and offering guidance and help when necessary. Clinical experience is usually provided once or more per week during LPN schooling. Students may do their clinicals at various medical institutions (hospitals, clinics, etc.), learning how to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom in the real world on real patients, under close supervision. This helps cement their education and give them an idea of what being an LPN is really like. Often, clinicals will begin with lighter responsibilities and more supervision, and students may gain more responsibility and with a lesser amount of supervision as they become more acquainted with their techniques.
Common Job Duties for LPNs in Rhode Island
Many different tasks make up LPNs’ days, and these tasks can vary from employer to employer. LPNs tend to work in a wide variety of settings such as local health care clinics run by HMOs to hospitals and private clinics or nursing homes. An example of a task that one LPN may do but not another is bottle-feeding newborns. LPNs in a NICU may perform this duty, but not LPNs in a nursing home. Other job duties that LPNs may do can be described in separate groupings: specialized skills, patient health status monitoring, bedside care, and other duties. LPNs who perform specialized skills need to be educated beyond the scope of typical LPN schooling. LPNs may measure and record medical data and log this information on a patient’s health record so that doctors can easily acccess this information. LPNs may also be a sort of communication medium between the patient and the doctor and working with the medical team overseeing the patient to help better the patient’s wellbeing. LPNs tend to perform many bedside care duties, as well, such as changing bandages, cleansing wounds, dressing patients, bathing patients, and helping patients with their personal hygiene. LPNs may also have some administrative duties too, such as filling out paperwork or other office tasks.
Basic Information About Rhode Island LPN Licensing
Rhode Island Department of Health, or HEALTH as it is known, monitors nursing licenses and state nursing regulations. Some information about the licensing process and Rhode Island’s requirements is provided below, but for up-to-date information about fee amounts, unique situations, and other information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website. Rhode Island participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so LPNs from other Compact states can practice in Rhode Island without having required a Rhode Island LPN license. Similarly, if a Rhode Island resident wishes to work as an LPN in another Compact state, he or she does not need to get that state’s license but instead must be licensed with Rhode Island.
In order to obtain a Rhode Island Practical Nursing license, applicants need to have successfully completed an approved LPN schooling program (it’s a good idea to check with the Rhode Island Department of Health prior to enrolling in a course to ensure that it is approved). They must fill out an application for licensure and have the affidavit signed and notarized, and submit the application with the application fee. An official transcript from the nursing school that states the degree conferred and graduation date must be provided in a sealed envelope. Prospective LPNs must also send a recent passport-type photo along with the application. Supporting documents must also be included with the application. Besides the application for LPN licensure, the applicant must also apply to the Department of Attorney General for a fingerprint-based national and state background check. Finally, the applicant must pass NCLEX Practical Nursing test. Prospective LPNs may receive a temporary graduate nurse license during this process that expires 90 days after it is received, or when the NCLEX are received results are received by the Rhode Island Department of Health; this allows graduates to practice as LPNs before receiving the permanent license.
Rhode Island Colleges and Technical Schools
This list contains colleges and technical schools in Rhode Island that might have practical nursing courses or schooling programs.
Community College of Rhode Island (Knight Campus)
400 East Ave, Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 825-1000
Community College of Rhode Island (Flanagan Campus)
1762 Old Louisquisset Pike, Lincoln, RI 02865
(401) 333-7000
Community College of Rhode Island (Liston Campus)
1 Hilton St, Providence, RI 02905
(401) 455-6000
Community College of Rhode Island (Newport County Campus)
1 John H. Chafee Blvd, Newport, RI 02840
(401) 851-1600
Community College of Rhode Island (Providence Campus)
80 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 277-5197
Lincoln Technical Institute
622 George Washington Hwy, Lincoln, RI 02865
(401) 334-2430
Find LPN Programs Near Me
Select Your State for Local LPN Information