There’s a lot of information surrounding Rhode Island’s nursing shortage that could lead to misinformed hysteria, so let us set the facts straight here. Yes, Rhode Island’s nursing shortage is a major issue. In just 5 years, the state will be short 1,800 nurses. Ten years from now, the state will be short 6,500 nurses. Those figures alone are enough to raise concern. However once you understand the cause behind the shortage, you can start to sense a solution — a solution that begins with you.

First, the state’s population is aging just as the population is aging all across America. As you may not yet know, an aging population increases health risks and requires unique expertise.
Second, the aging phenomenon doesn’t just affect patients. It affects nurse faculty as well. Nurses work and then they retire. With a patient base owning unique health issues, and with a faculty of experienced nurses leaving the workforce, Rhode Island’s ability to maintain an adequate workforce is questioned.
Is there anything that can be done?
Of course. You can get your BSN online and help reduce these shortages by becoming a nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, home health nurse, nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, and nurse-midwife. There’s a strong demand for these individuals all over Rhode Island — especially in its rural and urban areas.
Number of Rhode Island nursing jobs today: 8,552 RPNs
Projected number of Rhode Island nurses needed: 7676 RPNs by 2015
Number of nursing schools: 8
Rhode Island College
600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, 144 Fogarty Life Science Building, Providence, RI 02908-1991
CCNE Accredited
University of Rhode Island
Two Heathman Road, White Hall, Kingston, RI 02881-0814
CCNE Accredited
Community College of Rhode Island
1762 Louisquissett Pike, Lincoln, RI 02865-4585
NLNAC Accredited
Community College of Rhode Island
Newport Hospital, 275 Broadway, Newport, RI 02840
NLNAC Accredited
Salve Regina University
100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI 02840-4192
NLNAC Accredited
Saint Joseph’s Health Services of Rhode Island
200 High Service Avenue, North Providence, RI 02904
NLNAC Accredited
Community College of Rhode Island
Liston Campus, 1 Hilton Street, Providence, RI 02905-2304
NLNAC Accredited
Community College of Rhode Island
Knight Campus, 400 East Avenue, Warwick, RI 02886-1807
NLNAC Accredited
Rhode Island Board of Nursing
105 Cannon Building
Providence, Rhode Island 02908
Licensing Fee: $130
Continuing Education: 10 Continuing education hours
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