Nurses have never been busier than in the last two years, and those in Rhode Island are no exception.
Unfortunately, no matter how hectic your schedule is, you must take the time to fulfill your CE requirements before the renewal period.
We’re here to help.
Today, we’re going to give you the details of your nursing CE requirements in Rhode Island in one article. This way, you won’t have to spend time searching for your prerequisites on different websites and pages.
So shall we?
Rhode Island Nursing CE Requirements
To start things off, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to fulfill before your renewal date.
| Type | Requirement |
| CNA(Certified Nursing Assistant) | No CE Required!
Must have worked as a nurse aid for at least 8 hours in the last 24 months AND have completed twelve (12) hours of in-service training per year at the facility where employed |
| LPN(Licensed Practical Nurse) | 10 CE hours every 2 years * 2 hours must be about substance abuse One-Time Requirement Only — 1 contact hour on Alzheimer’s Disease. |
| RN(Registered Nurse) | 10 CE hours every 2 years * 2 hours must be about substance abuse One-Time Requirement Only — 1 contact hour on Alzheimer’s Disease. |
| APRN(Advanced Practical Registered Nurse) | For Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, and Nurse Anesthetists
10 CE hours every 2 years One-Time Requirement Only — 1 contact hour on Alzheimer’s Disease. If with prescriptive authority: If prescribing Schedule II opioids: |
| CNM(Certified Nurse Midwife) | 20 CE hours every 2 years *should include four hours in pharmacology |
The sections below break these requirements in detail.
Rhode Island CNA Continuing Education Requirements
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) in Rhode Island need to renew their licenses every 2 years.
You should receive a renewal notice around 60 days before your license expires. However, regardless of whether you get it or not, you’re still responsible for completing the renewal process in time.
In Rhode Island, the focus for renewal is on your practice hours. You need to have worked as a nurse aide for at least 8 hours in the 2 years directly before your renewal date.
Remember, you must get paid for your work — voluntary service doesn’t count.
These hours must also be at a licensed Rhode Island facility. Otherwise, you can’t include it as part of your requirements.
You should also complete at least 12 hours of in-service training per year in the facility where you are employed.
If you don’t fulfill the renewal requirements, your license will lapse. This means you have to undergo the NNAAP’s skills and knowledge examination to get it reinstated.
Rhode Island LPN Continuing Education Requirements
As for License Practical Nurses, they need to complete 10 hours of continuing education in preparation for their license renewal.
Since it happens every 2 years, it means you have 24 months to earn your CE hours.
While you have the freedom to choose the topics for the majority of your continuing education, you must ensure 2 hours are about substance abuse.
You also need 1 contact hour on Alzheimer’s and dementia. It must cover diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
This topic is on top of your required 10 CE hours. However, it’s not a recurring requirement, so once you’ve completed it, you’re done.
Another important thing to note is that your CE provider must be approved by the Rhode Island Board of Registration and Nursing.
The good thing about LPN renewal requirements in Rhode Island is that they don’t involve practice hours. So as long as you fulfill these CE requirements, you can renew your nursing license.
Rhode Island RN Continuing Education Requirements
Like most states, the renewal requirements for Registered Nurses are the same as LPNs’.
You don’t need to accumulate a certain number of practice hours, but you need to complete continuing education programs.
Again, out of the required 10 hours, only 2 are mandatory. The Rhode Island Board of Registration and Nursing states that these 2 hours have to be on substance abuse.
As for the rest of your contact hours, it’s open to your choice of subject. It means you can select courses that you think are most relevant to your current situation.
Of course, you need to make sure that the courses are approved by the Rhode Island Board of Registration and Nursing.
Since August 1, 2019, RNs must also attend a course on diagnosis, treatment, and caring for patients with a cognitive impairment like Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is an additional requirement, so it’s not part of your 10-hour pre-requisite.
Fortunately, it’s just a one-time requirement. So you only have to take it once during your career.
Rhode Island APRN Continuing Education Requirements
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Rhode Island include CNSs, CNPs, and CRNAs.
They have similar renewal requirements to RNs and LPNs.
You need to earn 10 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Two of these must be about substance abuse. The rest can be on any subject you prefer.
APRNs in Rhode Island need to fulfill a couple of one-time requirements.
The first is a course on Alzheimer’s and dementia. It should be an hour long at the very least and must cover diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients.
The second is 8 hours on Category I CME. That said, this requirement is only for APRNs who prescribe Schedule II opioids. It is a new regulation, put in effect last January 2, 2020.
If you have prescription authority, then you must complete 30 hours in pharmacology every 6 years.
Rhode Island CNM Continuing Education Requirements
Unlike in other states, CNMs are not classified under APRNs, but under the Advisory Council on Midwifery.
The CNM CE requirements are different from APRNs.
You have to complete 20 hours of continuing education, which should include four hours in pharmacology.
To keep your license current, renew it before October 31 of every odd-numbered year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to get an extension for continuing education requirements in Rhode Island?
The Board might grant a nurse an extension if they experience hardship during the renewal cycle. It’s typically a 6-month period.
How long should I keep my certificates?
It’s best that you keep the documents proving course completion for about 4 years. This is in case you are selected for an audit.
What topics can I take to fulfill the 8 -hour requirement of Category I CME?
You can take a course on one or all of these subjects:
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- Appropriate prescription of opioids for pain
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- Pharmacology
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- Adverse events
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- Potential for dependence
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- Tolerance
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- Substance Use Disorder
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- Alternatives to Opioids to manage pain
What’s the difference between an LNA and a CNA?
Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) fulfill the same roles and responsibilities.
Rhode Island is one of the few states where nursing assistants get licenses instead of certifications. Hence, the difference in the title.
In Conclusion
And that wraps up the different nursing CE requirements in Rhode Island.
So regardless of which nurse license you carry, you can find all the details you need in preparation for your renewal.
Good luck!