In 1985, Polisena graduated from the Community College of Rhode Island with an associate degree in nursing.
[3][4] In 1988, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in health services from Roger Williams University in Bristol.
[6] He was employed by the Community College of Rhode Island as a registered nurse and assistant professor.
[12] He has proposed a plan to freeze cost of living adjustments (COLAs) in retirees' pensions.
[13] Polisena was a strong supporter of Governor Lincoln Chafee's Municipal Relief Package for the cities and towns of Rhode Island.