In the state of Rhode Island the Department of Health regulates the laws of how to become a certified nursing aide, and sets the requirements for CNA classes in RI. Rhode Island follows federal health care guidelines which suggest that CNA’s must be 18 and have already successfully completed high school or achieved their GED certification. Besides these requirements, Rhode Island residents who wish to work as CNA’s must also pass a medical exam (and TB screening), and be fingerprinted through the FBI and have a thorough background check as well. The goal is to ensure that Rhode Island medical professionals are upstanding citizens who will give the best care to patients within the medical system, or at other care facilities in the state of Rhode Island.
CNA Classes in RI
CNA classes in Rhode Island are required to be at least 100 hours of training on all required skills and duties which are required for patient care. In Rhode Island a certain number of these hours are simply focused on medication administration, which is an extremely regulated process. This is to make sure that Rhode Island patients are administered the proper amounts of medications to the proper individuals. Steps need to be followed every single time medication is administered, even if a CNA knows the patient (such as verifying name and birthdate). In addition to the CNA classes in RI, a person also needs to complete some clinical hours under a Rhode Island Nurse’s guidance. All of these training hours are set in place to prepare a person for work as a CNA and to prepare them to be able to pass the state nurse aide assessment.
CNA Training Programs in RI
Once CNA trainig in RI is complete, the state CNA certification test is administered to perspective candidates. In Rhode Island these tests usually occur at the facility where the CNA training in RI was completed. One part of the Rhode Island test is standardized questions, one part is practical demonstration of skills. Upon passing the CNA programs in RI and certification exam, along with all required clearances through background checking and physicals, a person may finally apply to the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry to appear on their database of qualified CNAs. Once a person’s name appears on this registry, they may legally work in Rhode Island as a qualified CNA.
CNA Jobs in Rhode Island
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Rhode Island has the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients for CNAs. The state’s employment per thousand jobs figure is outstanding at 19.82, with a strong average hourly wage. This is great news for those considering CNA Classes in RI and looking to enter the Rhode Island workforce as a Certified Nursing Assistant.