Is it possible to become an LNA...

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While in college to become an RN? I want to start nursing as soon as I can so I was thinking that I might want to become an LNA first. I am currently In high school and was planning on going to get my ASN at a community college then going to another college and get My BSN (Becoming a Neonatal nurse is my main goal.). So I was wondering if there was a way to Become a LNA while or before going to college so I can start working and get some experience as well, while going to nursing school. Sorry if This Is a Confusing question. Thanks:)

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

I have never heard of an LNA. Perhaps you mean CNA (certified nurses assistant?). If that is what you mean, it would be a great idea, you will learn a lot working as a CNA and it will benefit you during your nursing education. Good luck :nurse:

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LNA??? What is that? Are you trying to say "Licensed Nurses Aide"? No such animal. An aide is a certified position but NOT considered a licensed professional--thus the L part of that title is not accurate. Any tech/nurses aide type position is considered "non-licensed personnel". Only LPN/LVN and RN would be considered licensed personnel. (as far as nurses go--obviously NP,PA,MD are) --if you are just asking if you could work as an aide/tech while in school for your RN--absolutely--lots of techs/aides are in nursing school---great place to get experience and a foot in the door.

If LNA stands for something else--I am at a loss! lol

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Specializes in ER, ED.

That is most definitely possible. In my state (NH), nursing assistants are licensed, and called LNA's. In my ADN program, after completing your first semester of nursing school you could apply for your LNA license (and many people did). If you don't want to wait, you could look into a short course and then apply for a job. Many hospitals will train you as well. I think it us a great way to get some experience while you are in school. Good luck!

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I live in NH so maybe an LNA is called something in different states sorry for the confusion. LNA is a Licensed nursing assistant.

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skiingcait: interesting i had never heard of the whole lna thing. i was just reading up on it a bit. interesting though is that the site i was reading said

"a second (38-hour) program is also available that covers slightly more advanced patient care skills: urinary catheters; oxygen mask placement; feeding tubes; chest physiotherapy; wound care; peripheral vein iv removal; vagus nerve stimulation; colostomy irrigations; pulse oximetry; blood glucose monitoring; and

incentive spirometry."

yet farther in the article is states:

"lnas and cnas are not licensed or certified to pass medications, give injections or perform other medical care. however, they may take vital signs and record data from bedside monitors."

many of the skills listed there are considered medical care--i. e.would care--that requires assessment as well. and oxygen is considered a medication.

i'm confused. lol

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Specializes in ER, ED.

MentalHealthRN - I agree that it is quite confusing! Where I work, however, LNA's really function in the same capacity as CNA's, they just also work under a license (and therefore are required to get CE's, renew their license, etc). As for the more invasive procedures, I haven't seen LNA's perform those tasks (IE catheters). They are allowed to remove IV's, draw labs, do vitals, etc. Very interesting how different it can be from state to state!

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MentalHealthRN - I agree that it is quite confusing! Where I work, however, LNA's really function in the same capacity as CNA's, they just also work under a license (and therefore are required to get CE's, renew their license, etc). As for the more invasive procedures, I haven't seen LNA's perform those tasks (IE catheters). They are allowed to remove IV's, draw labs, do vitals, etc. Very interesting how different it can be from state to state!

Yes it is. I know out techs at the hospitals who work in ER and ICU only are trained to do more then on the floor. They put in catheters. I am not sure what more but I know I they are trained to do some things that the techs are not allowed to do on the floors. Yeah it is interesting how its different state to state. It just made me think about when I was in nursing school and even taking the NCLEX all the questions they talk about designating a task as an RN to "licensed personnel". Just makes the waters a bit muddy! LOL

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I live in NH so maybe an LNA is called something in different states sorry for the confusion. LNA is a Licensed nursing assistant.

Julie,

Here's the link for the license information: NH BON. Scroll down to where it says "Initial LNA license application by competency evaluation and comparable education" D/L and print that form. You'll do the middle section of it if you have finished the Fundamentals semester of the RN program. There is a section where you have to have your signature notarized, and you have to make an appointment with the State Police to be finger printed.

They won't start processing your application until they have the prints from the State Police. I'm doing my finger prints next week and wish I had started this a month ago!

Oh, and be prepared to write a lot of checks along the way.

HTH

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LNA??? What is that? Are you trying to say "Licensed Nurses Aide"? No such animal. An aide is a certified position but NOT considered a licensed professional--thus the L part of that title is not accurate. Any tech/nurses aide type position is considered "non-licensed personnel". Only LPN/LVN and RN would be considered licensed personnel. (as far as nurses go--obviously NP,PA,MD are) --if you are just asking if you could work as an aide/tech while in school for your RN--absolutely--lots of techs/aides are in nursing school---great place to get experience and a foot in the door.

If LNA stands for something else--I am at a loss! lol

LNAs are found in NH. And we are licensed:)

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BTW, I think becoming an LNA will help you see if nursing is for you.

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I to live in NH have i have my LNA;)

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