Over 12,000 RNs work in Rhode Island, earning about $71,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 55 percent of this workforce is centered in hospitals, with another 10 percent working in long-term care facilities.
Even in this small state, there is a demand for RNs, which is only expected to increase in coming years. LPNs who want to further their education have a few choices including attending one of the few remaining diploma programs in the country. Most choose the LPN to ADN path, and those who want a BSN can transfer from there into a basic BSN or RN to BSN program. There are a number of ways to finance your education, including tuition reimbursement from your employer. Colleges have comprehensive information on federal and state aid, and the Rhode Island State Nurses Association has information about grants and scholarships. For more information about becoming an RN, check out the Nurse Registration and Nursing Education Board of Rhode Island.
Check out this LPN to RN program:
Community College of Rhode Island (Lincoln, RI / Newport, RI / Providence, RI / Warwick, RI). CCRI has several locations throughout the state. LPNs can transfer credit toward some nursing classes, and those with five or more years of experience can gain credit for additional coursework.
