Rhode Island Nursing Assistant / Nurse Aide Guide
Is a License or Certification needed: To get certified and work as a nursing assistant or nurse aide in Rhode Island, you need to complete a nursing assistant program and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.
Who Grants Certification: The Rhode Island Department of Health grants certification to Rhode Island nursing assistants and nurse aides.
The Qualifications to become Certified: To qualify to become a certified nursing assistant or nurse aide, you must complete a state-approved nurses aide training program within the past 24 months.
How to Apply for Certification and to take the Exam: In order to apply for nurse aide licensure in Rhode Island, you will need to follow the instructions on the application.
Complete the application form and mail to:
3 Capitol Hill, Room 104
Providence RI 02908-5097
Tests are administered by the Community College of Rhode Island.
Test Content: The NNAAP test has two parts, a Skills Evaluation and a Written (or oral) part. Both parts must be passed to be listed on the Rhode Island Nurse Aide Registry. The written section is 70 questions in length, 60 are multiple-choice and 10 are reading comprehension questions. Take two pencils with you. You will have two full hours to complete the exam. (The oral exam if given in place of the written exam is 160 questions in length.) The Skills Evaluation will be a 25 minute time period given to complete 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills.
Content topics include:
- Activities of Daily Living – Hygiene, Dressing and Grooming, Nutrition and Hydration, Elimination, Rest/Comfort/Sleep
- Basic Nursing Skills - Infection Control, Safety/Emergency, Therapeutic/Technical Procedures, Data Collection and Reporting
- Restorative Skills – Prevention, Self-care/Independence
- Psychosocial Care Skills – Emotional and Mental Health Needs
- Spiritual and Cultural Needs
- Communication
- Client Rights
- Legal and Ethical Behavior
- Member of the Health Care Team
See the Candidate Handbook for more details.
Certification Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements: The Rhode Island Nursing Assistant license lasts 2 years and expires on the first of June in the second year. On the first of May, just before your license expires, the Rhode Island Department of Health will mail a Nursing Assistant License Renewal form to the home address you listed on your application. Be sure to notify them if your address changes at any time for this reason.
Only 8 hours of employment during the past 24 months are required, although this must be paid employment, not volunteer work, and in a nursing environment such as a nursing home, home health setting or a hospital.
Contact
RI Nurse Aide Registry
RI Department of Health Professionals
3 Capitol Hill, Room 105
Providence, Rl 02908-5097
Phone: 401-222-5888
Fax: 401-222-3352
