CNA Program In Rhode Island

The basic requirements to kick-start a CNA program varies from state to state. The major ones are as follows:

• Aspirant must be at least 18 years old.
• Clearance of TB and drug screening test is mandatory.
• Must be high school graduate or have a GED.
• Candidate must take up a reading comprehension test (CNAT) before enrolling into CNA.
• Those who wish to enroll in CNA course must not be a convict in past.
• Women should not be pregnant while enrolling for the program.
• Fingerprint cards should be submitted.

The time duration and cost of CNA course varies across the nursing facilities. However, on an average, nurse aide program program takes 7-12 weeks. Aspiring candidates need to complete 100 hours of program that include 80 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of clinical practices). This course costs up to $1000 in the state of Rhode Island.

The curriculum for CNA program is almost similar in all the states of the USA; however, some slight changes may be found. The topics listed below will enable one to gain profound knowledge about the CNA duties towards the patients and how to execute them. The coursework covers the following:

• Basic nursing skills and practices.
• Emergency procedures
• Safety techniques.
• Restorative care.
• Adult Care.
• Infection Control.
• Communications and Interpersonal skills
• Mental Health.

1. What steps are required to become a certified nurse aide in Rhode Island?

Answer: The first step towards a nurse aide career is to take up a CNA course from a state approved institute and clear the national nurse aide assessment program. Once you successfully pass the CNA certification exam, your name will get listed in Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry.

2. How many program hours are required in the state for CNA course?

Answer: The entire course consists of 80 hours of classroom instruction and laboratory skills and 20 hours of clinical skills program.

3. Is there any regulatory body that manages the status of nurse aides in Rhode Island?

Answer: According to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA 1987), the state government of Rhode Island manages, maintains and regulates the nurse aide program, competency evaluation exam and Nurse Aide Registries.

Receiving a nursing aide program in Rhode Island can be quite expensive for the candidates who cannot afford the tuition fees and other extra costs of the program. The federal government and The Rhode Island College offer various financial aid opportunities for the students, who are seeking higher level education in nursing. The following are nursing scholarships and grant programs provided by various foundations/colleges/organizations:-

• Lucy C. Ayers Foundation ScholarshipAn amount of $1,000 is awarded every year to the financially weak students, who are currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program. The amount of scholarship may be used for textbooks, tuition fees and other expenses related to the nursing course. In order to be eligible for the award, the candidate must:-
  • Be residing in Rhode Island.
  • Be enrolled full-time in an accredited nursing program.
  • Have a GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Submit a complete application with recommendation letter from a facility member and other requisite documents.
  • Be in financial need.
• Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island – Nursing Education ScholarshipsThe nursing scholarship is available for both undergraduate and graduate students, who are in financial need and enrolled in a state nursing program. You may get an award of $500 – $1000.In order to apply for undergraduate nursing education scholarships, the applicant mus:-
  • Be enrolled in an accredited nursing program.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Have 3.0 GPA.
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm and clinical proficiency in his/her nursing studies.

  Contact Details:-

  Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island
  Address: P. O. Box 41702, Providence, RI 02940
  Phone No: 401-223-9680
  Website: http://rinursingfoundation.org

The Exeter Job Corps Center in Rhode Island offers free career program to the qualified candidates. To get information regarding career program and enrollment, you can refer the contact details:-

Contact Details:-

Exeter Job Corps Center
Address: 162 Main Street, Exeter, RI 02822
Phone No: (401) 268-6000
Fax No: (401) 294-0471
Website: http://exeter.jobcorps.gov

• The Adult Skills Program ProgramThe Adult Skills Program Program for CNA is a WIA approved program which is funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health. Those individuals who lack the basic or required skills to get a job can obtain skill program for a nominal fee. In order to be eligible for this state funded grant program, the applicant must be from a low-income household.  Contact Details:-Community College of Rhode Island
  Address: 400 East Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-1807
  Phone No: (401) 825-1000
  Website: https://www.ccri.edu

• Crossroads Rhode IslandCrossroads Rhode Island offers programs for those individuals who have been approved by Workforce offices, Department of Health and by their own evaluation.Contact Details:-Crossroads Rhode Island
  Address: 160 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02903
  Phone No:  (401) 521-2255
  Website: http://www.crossroadsri.org

• Rhode Island Chapter
  Address: 105 Gano Street Providence, RI 02906
  Get Admissions Information

Question 1:What documents are required while applying for undergraduate nursing education scholarships program of Nursing Foundation of Rhode Island?

Answer:   The applicant must submit-

• A short  essay of two to three paragraph detailing the reason (why you need financial aid to complete the nursing program).
• A cover letter (including the candidate’s name, telephone number, address, email address).
• One copy of the student’s transcript.
• Two recommendation letters (from a nursing faculty).
• An application letter.

Question 2:  What is covered in the nursing aide program program (Adult Skills Program) of the Community College of Rhode Island?

Answer:   The CNA Program program consists of 120 hours including – 32 hours of clinical practice and 88 hours of laboratory/classroom instructions. Some basic topics that are covered in the program include safety/emergency procedures,personal care skills,basic rehabilitation services,social services, vital signs, resident’s rights and basic nursing skills.