I intend to become licensed by examination in Rhode Island, currently Rhode Island is pending legislation to become a Nurse Licensure Compact state. The application for licensure can be submitted electronically or paper-based and takes approximately 7-10 weeks . To apply for license by examination I am required to submit proof of RI residency is my primary residency is going to be Rhode Island which I intend it to be. Currently I am in the process of looking for rentals and will utilize my lease as proof of residency upon securing a rental. Secondly, my official paper transcripts must be sent directly from the UNE School of Nursing including my graduate date, degree conferred and verification sign off by the director of the program to the Department of Health Three Capitol Hill—Room 103, Providence, RI 02908. Rhode Island requires a background check with fingerprints, I must apply to the Department of Attorney General for a national background check supported by fingerprints. Lastly, I must apply to the NCSBN for the NCLEX, after applying the NCSBN Rhode Island must confirm my eligibility to take the exam, my eligibility is dependent on their attainment of my official transcripts from UNE that lists graduation date and degree confirmation. 

If a nurse is identified of alcohol or drug abuse that impacts the well-being and safety of the patient and coworkers, dependent on the severity and prevalence of the situation the RI board of nursing has the power to revoke or suspend any license to practice nursing or provide a non-disciplinary alternative program. The requirements for participation in the non-disciplinary alternative program is voluntary, the participant must agree in writing to comply with terms of the contract, is responsible for all costs accumulated towards assessment, treatment and monitoring, agrees to evaluations including random testing and agrees to a role in a treatment program that is determined by their HCP and approved by the board of nursing. If the nurse is non-compliant with any of these requirements they will be terminated from the program and subsequently have their nursing license revoked permanently. In order to protect myself and my license from legal issues I will focus on clearly communicating information I obtain between the interdisciplinary healthcare team to prevent errors and poor outcomes for patients. I will always follow facility protocols to ensure the actions I perform align with the laws of the state in which I work for, my professional’s ethical standards, patient’s rights and facility’s guidelines. I will hold myself accountable for my actions and perform tasks in a responsible manner, ask for help when I do not feel competent in performing a task and collaborate effectively with members of the healthcare team.