Certified nurse aide certification in Rhode Island is necessary before one can apply or work as a CNA anywhere in this state. One should undergo a state-approved training program, pass the state and federal background checks as well as pass the state examinations for certification. One also has to be physically capable of performing the tasks that are delegated to nursing assistants.
Certified nurse aide training can be found on various entities such as community colleges and other private healthcare facilities. The training involves 88 hours of classroom teaching in one community school and an additional 32 hours of practical training under the supervision of a registered nurse in a licensed healthcare facility. Training subjects include in the course are about mental health, basic nursing skills, personal care, emergency procedures, rehabilitation, and communication skills with the patient. Other training facilities offer 100 hours of training which includes 20 hours of practical training for manual skills. The course can be finished within 90 days or between 6-12 weeks depending on the school’s curriculum.
After completing the nurse aide training, one can now apply to take the state examinations. This is done by submitting an application for certification testing to the Rhode Island Department of Health. Requirements to schedule an exam test date are a recent passport type 2 x 3″ photo, and a BCI or criminal background check conducted by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office dated within two months for those who took training in RI. These exams are conducted at several designated training facilities or even on the school where the training was held. The exam has two parts – a written or oral portion and a practical or manual skills test. There is also a required behavioral check before one can take the test.
The examinations are waived for registered nurses or licensed practical nurses when they apply for the nursing aide registry. They only need to submit their diploma or transcript and fill-up the application form. Testing fees should be submitted to the designated testing site and one should have a proof of identification such as a government-issued ID when he or she arrives at the testing site.
The state also offers reciprocity for those who have active and current certifications as a nursing assistant in other states. They have to be in good standing and should not have been convicted of abuse or neglect of a resident and should also pass the state and federal criminal background checks. They need to submit copies of their certification as a nursing and of undergoing a state-approved training program from that state. The training should have at least 100 hours of both classroom and practical training in order to be allowed to take the license exams in this state.
The certification is renewed every 2 years or 24 months. The applicant should be able to provide proof of at least 8 hours of paid work as a nursing assistant under the supervision of a registered nurse for the past 2 years. Proof of employment include a stub, payroll printout or a notarized letter executed by the employer. Lack of this proof may affect the renewal of the CNA certificate. There is also a required 12 hours of in-service training every year for all personnel employed in a health care facility. You can use the RI Nurse Aide Registry online search verification page to check the status of a license to verify whether it is currently active at any time.
Click this link for the current list of nursing assistant classes in Rhode Island.