Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Riverside RI

How to Pick a Nursing Program near Riverside Rhode Island

Riverside RI surgical nurse assisting surgeonLocating the right nursing school near Riverside RI may feel like a complicated undertaking, particularly if you have no idea what to search for in a good degree program. As you may presently know, to practice as a registered nurse, you must obtain the necessary education and training to become licensed. So it is critically important that you research and assess the qualifications of each college you are considering before enrolling in your ultimate selection. Unfortunately, too many potential students base their selection solely on the cost of tuition and the proximity of the school. Deciding on the least costly program or the one that is local to your home is probably not the most reliable way to select a nursing program. There are various key additional factors to check out before you decide where to attend classes. But before we examine that checklist, let’s first review what the function of a registered nurse is in our medical system, as well as the nursing degree alternatives that are available.

Registered Nurse Job Responsibilities

Riverside RI Neonatal Nurse with babyRegistered nurses are the largest occupation in the medical delivery system. RNs practice in a large number of different medical environments, such as Riverside RI hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their basic job is to aid doctors in the treatment of their patients. However, the exact duties of a registered nurse will be dependent on their job or area of expertise along with where they work. Some of the duties of an RN may include:

  • Providing medications
  • Monitoring patients
  • Performing physical examinations
  • Coordinating care
  • Overseeing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
  • Informing patients and their families
  • Taking care of health records and charts

Nurses with a more advanced degree may have more complex job duties and accountabilities. Nurse practitioners (NP), as an example, must hold a Master’s Degree and normally work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can administer primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat common illnesses or injuries.

Nursing Degree Options

There are multiple degrees available to become a registered nurse. And in order to become an RN, a student must enroll in an accredited school and program. A student can receive a qualifying degree in as little as two years, or continue on to obtain a graduate degree for a total of 6 years. Following are some short explanations of the nursing degrees that are available in the Riverside RI area.

  • Associates. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is generally a 2 year program made available by community colleges. It readies graduates for an entry level position in nursing in medical facilities including hospitals, clinics or nursing homes. Many use the ADN as an entry into nursing and subsequently achieve a more advanced degree.
  • Bachelor’s. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) supplies more comprehensive training than the ADN. It is usually a 4 year program offered at colleges and universities. Licensed RNs may be eligible to complete an accelerated program based on their prior training or degree and professional experience (RN to BSN). Those applying to the program may desire to progress to a clinical or administrative position, or be more competitive in the employment market.
  • Master’s. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is normally a two year program after acquiring the BSN. The MSN program offers specialization training, for instance to become a nurse practitioner or concentrate on administration, management or teaching.

After a graduating student has acquired one of the above degrees, she or he must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in order to become licensed. Other requirements for licensing vary from state to state, so be sure to check with the Rhode Island board of nursing for any state mandates.

LVN and LPN Training

Riverside RI LPN assisting patientThere are basically two scholastic credentials available that provide education to become either an LPN or an LVN. The one that may be completed in the shortest amount of time, commonly about one year, is the certificate or diploma program. The 2nd alternative is to attain a Practical Nursing Associate Degree. These programs are more comprehensive in nature than the diploma option and commonly require 2 years to finish. The advantage of Associate Degrees, in addition to supplying a higher credential and more extensive training, are that they furnish more transferable credit toward a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing. Regardless of the type of credential you seek, it should be Rhode Island approved and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or some other national accrediting organization. The NLNAC attests that the course of study properly prepares students to become Practical Nurses, and that most graduates pass the 50 state required NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

CNA Certificates

In contrast to many other licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants do not have to obtain a college degree. CNA education can be obtained at Riverside RI area community colleges or at vocational or trade schools. The duration of the training program can take anywhere from 1 to three months, resulting in either a certificate or a diploma. Within the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, students are mandated to receive at least 75 hours of instruction, 16 of which must be clinical or “hands-on” training hours. Keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of instruction directed and that every state has its specific requirements. So it’s essential to make sure that the program you enroll in not only satisfies the federal requirements, but additionally those for Rhode Island or the state where you will be practicing. One recommendation is to check with the health or nursing board for your state to make certain that the education is state approved. As well as the training, each state mandates a passing score on a competency test for certification. Depending on the state, there may be other prerequisites as well.

Questions to Ask Nursing Degree Programs

geriatric nurse with elderly patient in Riverside RIOnce you have decided on which nursing degree to pursue, and whether to attend your classes on campus near Riverside RI or online, you can use the following checklist to start narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt are aware, there are numerous nursing schools and colleges throughout Rhode Island and the United States. So it is necessary to reduce the number of schools to choose from in order that you will have a workable list. As we previously pointed out, the location of the school along with the cost of tuition are most likely going to be the initial two points that you will look at. But as we also emphasized, they should not be your only qualifiers. So prior to making your ultimate decision, use the following questions to see how your pick compares to the field.

  • Accreditation. It’s a good idea to make sure that the degree or certificate program along with the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization. Besides helping make sure that you receive a premium education, it may help in acquiring financial aid or student loans, which are often not available in Riverside RI for non-accredited schools.
  • Licensing Preparation. Licensing prerequisites for registered nurses are different from state to state. In all states, a passing score is required on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) as well as graduation from an accredited school. Certain states require a certain number of clinical hours be performed, as well as the passing of additional tests. It’s imperative that the school you are enrolled in not only provides an exceptional education, but also prepares you to satisfy the minimum licensing requirements for Rhode Island or the state where you will be practicing.
  • Reputation. Visit internet rating companies to see what the reviews are for each of the schools you are considering. Ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews also. Additionally, contact the Rhode Island school licensing authority to find out if there are any complaints or compliance issues. Finally, you can speak with some Riverside RI healthcare organizations you’re interested in working for after graduation and ask what their opinions are of the schools as well.
  • Graduation and Job Placement Rates. Find out from the RN programs you are considering what their graduation rates are as well as how long on average it takes students to finish their programs. A low graduation rate may be an indication that students were displeased with the program and dropped out. It’s also important that the schools have high job placement rates. A high rate will not only confirm that the school has a good reputation within the Riverside RI healthcare community, but that it also has the network of relationships to help students obtain a position.
  • Internship Programs. The most effective way to get experience as a registered nurse is to work in a clinical environment. Almost all nursing degree programs require a specific number of clinical hours be completed. Many states have minimum clinical hour mandates for licensing too. Check if the schools have associations with Riverside RI hospitals, clinics or labs and assist with the placing of students in internships.

Nursing Online Programs

woman attending nursing school online in Riverside RIAttending nursing colleges online is growing into a more favored way to obtain training and earn a nursing degree. Some schools will require attendance on campus for part of the training, and nearly all programs call for a specified number of clinical rotation hours completed in a local healthcare center. But since the remainder of the training can be accessed online, this option may be a more accommodating solution to finding the time to attend college for many Riverside RI students. Concerning tuition, many online degree programs are less costly than other on campus choices. Even other expenses such as for commuting and study materials may be lessened, helping to make education more economical. And numerous online programs are accredited by organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for BSN and MSN degrees. And so if your job and family responsibilities have left you with limited time to pursue your academic goals, it could be that an online nursing training program will make it more convenient to fit a degree into your active schedule.

Attending a Nursing School near Riverside RI?

Perhaps you have already made your decision to attend a Nursing Program in the greater Riverside Rhode Island area.  If that is the case, then the following information may prove to be both educational and useful regarding the location of your future Alma Mater.

Riverside, Rhode Island

Riverside is a suburban neighborhood of Providence. Adjoining Riverside are the town of Barrington in Bristol County to the south, Narragansett Bay to the west, the rest of East Providence to the north, and the Runnins River and Seekonk, Massachusetts to the east.

Riverside most notably became a tourist attraction in the late 19th and early 20th century due to the presence of Crescent Park Amusement Park, known as the “Coney Island of the East”. The 50 acre park operated from 1886 until 1979, and was famous for its Rhode Island Shore Dinners as well as the Alhambra Ballroom, where famous Big Bands played, and the bustling midway which included roller coasters, kiddie land, rides and games. Although the park in now gone, the famous 1895 Crescent Park Looff Carousel has been preserved and continues in operation every summer. The Carousel is nationally recognized as a true masterpiece of wood sculpture. Originally built as a showcase for prospective buyers, it is the largest and most elaborate of Looff's works.[2]

Many hotels, guest houses and shore dinner halls operated in Riverside in the late 19th century to accommodate the influx of summer visitors escaping the big city. Also available were several tent sites like Camp White and Camp Fuller. The Vue de l'Eau Hotel was built around 1860. The four-story Riverside Hotel boasted its own wharf and a huge ballroom overlooking the bay. After a few years, it was dismantled and shipped by barge to Nantucket. Pomham House opened in 1867 with its own wharf. The popular Silver Spring Hotel was opened two years later by developer, Hiram Maxfield. In addition to the hotel, it included a shore dinner hall and summer cottages.

Enroll in the Right Nursing College near Riverside RI

Riverside RI nursing studentPicking the right registered nursing college is perhaps the most crucial first step to starting a new career in the healthcare industry. There are numerous variables that you must consider when choosing a nursing school. These aspects will be prioritized differently contingent on your existing career goals, obligations, and financial status. As we have highlighted within this post, it is critical that you select an RN college and a degree program that are each accredited and have exceptional reputations within the medical community. By using our checklist of qualifying questions, you will be able to create a shortlist of schools to choose from so that you can make your ultimate selection. And with the proper degree and training, combined with your hard work and desire to succeed, you can become a licensed RN in Riverside RI.

More Awesome Locations in Rhode Island

  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – West Greenwich RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Hope Valley RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Portsmouth RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – East Greenwich RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Carolina RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – North Kingstown RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Tiverton RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – North Scituate RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Woonsocket RI
  • Nursing Schools Near Me | How to Become an RN – Slocum RI
  •  

     

    The location could not be found.

     

    Business Results 1 - 10 of 21

    West View Nursing and Rehabilitation
    5 Reviews
    Physical Therapy, Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    239 Legris Ave, West Warwick, RI 02893

    Catholic Memorial Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitative Care
    1 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    2446 Highland Ave, Diocesan Health Facilities, Fall River, MA 02720

    Madonna Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitative Care
    2 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Pain Management
    Phone:
    85 N Washington St, Diocesan Health Facilities, North Attleboro, MA 02760

    Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
    38 Reviews
    Hospitals, Obstetricians & Gynecologists
    Phone:
    101 Dudley St, Providence, RI 02905

    Grandview Center
    2 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Facilities
    Phone:
    100 Chambers St, Cumberland, RI 02864

    Kent Regency Center
    3 Reviews
    Skilled Nursing, Retirement Homes, Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    660 Commonwealth Ave, Warwick, RI 02886

    Rhode Island Hospital
    29 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    593 Eddy St, Providence, RI 02903

    Cortland Place
    3 Reviews
    Retirement Homes, Skilled Nursing
    Phone:
    20 Austin Ave, Greenville, RI 02828

    Miriam Hospital
    34 Reviews
    Hospitals
    Phone:
    164 Summit Ave, Providence, RI 02906

    North Bay Manor
    2 Reviews
    Rehabilitation Center
    Phone:
    171 Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield, RI 02917