Aides and LPN questions...

[emndarmic]

Hi..

I am getting ready to take a STNA course, then I am in route to LPN next spring after I work as an aide for the experience that I desire. I have never worked in the health field at all and am very very much feeling this in my soul that I want to do this. I am taking a course through a HH agency which I am hoping will offer a job after my NA course is complete, what can I expect as a HH aide (I'm sorry if this has been asked many times before) and what will I do as an LPN after my schooling (I'm already taking pre-reqs towards my LPN)? I am very excited to get on with my new life (I'm a teachers aide for a autistic boy and am ready for a change), anything you can offer me would be great...I know every state is different, but what is typical pay for an LPN in HH? Do you get mileage or anything like that? I'm in Ohio.

Thanks..

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Hello there, enmdarmic...:)

And WELCOME to Allnurses !!! :wlcmblks:

As an aide you will spend anywhere from 1-2 hours with the patient assisting them with their personal hygiene (tub, bedbath, etc.), dressing, BADLs and ADLs. While not required, may of our aides do some very light cleaning before they leave, just a quick wiping down of kitchen counters, or wash up a few dishes in the sink if there are any... perhaps take out their trash or throw some wash in, or fold some laundry. Nothing major.. just a few things to help out.

You might wash and set their hair if they ask, or give a good massage while rubbing in body lotion after their bath.

As for when you become and LPN, you will do everything the RN does except for admissions (OASIS), Follow-Ups, Post Hospital Resumptions.. all of which are a lot of time consuming OASIS paperwork, so be glad!

Since you will not have any actual hospital experience, I would strongly recommend that you perhaps take a position at a good skilled nursing faclilty somewhere for about a year first to get your basics down, such as drawing labs, perfecting your assessment skills, wound care, etc.

Believe me, you WILL need this as you will be out on your own in the homes as a nurse, so you want all the experience you can get! :)

As for pay.. that depends on the area in which you live.. I have no idea what Ohio pays, but perhaps someone will come along and fill you in, or you could go to the Ohio Forum here and ask what the current pay rates are.

Wish you the very best in your goals !