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If you want to become a nurse in Rhode Island, you will need to become well prepared.
The nursing license will allow you to practice in this state.
So, you will need to find out how the Board of Nurse Registration in Rhode Island works.
The nursing licenses in this state are issued and renewed online by the Board of Nurse Registration.
Table of Contents
What Does the Board Do?
The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration is the facility that oversees nurses and releases licenses.
The Board has to:
- Issue licenses to future nurses
- Renew the credentials of already licensed personnel
- Ensure the candidates meet the requirements by analyzing the submitted documents
- Issue disciplinary actions
- Maintain the rules and regulations up-to-date
- Maintain accurate records
Getting Approval to Take the NCLEX
In Rhode Island, you should have a certification to be able to practice.
You will have to pass the NCLEX exam.
This test is recognized in the USA, Canada, and Australia.
This exam is available through The National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
You can make an appointment and take the exam at a Pearson Vue testing center nearby your location.
Pearson Vue testing centers are available in every US region.
To be able to take the exam, you should:
- Complete a training course for nurses
- Complete the CGFNS International Certification Program – if you’re a foreigner
- Fill out the online application
- Pay the fee – 180 USD
- Have a clean criminal record
You are advised to mail the test registration at the same time as the certification application.
In Rhode Island, it is more convenient to get your nursing license released online.
So, you can compile the documents and send everything to:
- 3 Capitol Hill # 105, Providence, RI 02908, United States
The Council and the Board will review your submission.
You will have to wait first for your application to be accepted.
The results of the test exam will show up on the official site of the Rhode Island Nursing Board.
You don’t need to retake the test if you hold a certification in another state.
Renewing Your License
So, now that you got your license, you should also know you will need to renew it.
In Rhode Island, nurse licenses are valid through March 1 every 24 months after your first license was issued.
If a certification is released in an odd-numbered year, the renewal should be done in an odd-numbered year.
If a license is released in an even-numbered year, you should renew your license in an even-numbered year.
You should check out the following page for more information on renewing your license:
- https://www.nursingcenter.com/continuing-education/license-renewal-requirements-by-state/rhode-island-ce-requirements
You will also have to pay a renewal fee in this state, which is $135.
The renewal can be done at https://healthri.mylicense.com/, where you must create an account first.
How To Do A License Lookup
You may need to do a lookup of your own license or of someone else’s.
The Board in Rhode Island has a section where you can look for licenses.
For that, you have to choose Profession, License Type, and/or License Status from the dropdown list.
This is one way in which you can do a license lookup.
You can also look by first name, last name, and/or license number.
Another way is to use an asterisk to submit part of the first name, last name, or license number.
If you don’t know how a name is spelled, this option could be the most helpful for you.
To do a license verification, you will need to access the following page:
- https://healthri.mylicense.com/Verification/
Rhode Island’s Board of Nurse Registration Contact Information
Rhode Island’s Board of Nurse Registration can also be contacted in several ways.
One way is to reach it at the address we mentioned earlier.
Another way is to call the Board.
The phone number for the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration is +1 401-222-5700.
Make sure to call on weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, local time.
The Board is closed during various holidays.
Faxes are to be sent to 401.222.3352.
You can also visit its website at https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=231.
Conclusion
The most important thing after you get your nursing license is to know when to renew it.
So, once you figure out how to renew it online, things will so much smoother.
By doing this, you will save money as well as time.