What is the LNA training like?

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I have a friend who just signed up for the LNA training and he asked me what was in it. I honestly had no clue as I got my LNA after completing Fundamentals and our first clinical rotation. He wants to become a nurse now but needs to have good employment before he starts that journey. He has college loans as he just graduated with graphic arts and printing technology degree and hates that.

I know this much:

Bedmaking

comfort measures

BP and other vitals

I&O

Reporting abnormals or even "something not right" feelings to RN

Showering & personal care

Feeding

transfers, how to use lifts

CPR, First aid stuff

But I feel like I am missing something can you all help fill in the blanks?

Thanks everyone!

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Sounds about right...but I have a question, what does the training consist of? I mean, how long does it take to get licensed and what is the process?

Im getting into school to start my pre-req's to become an RN and am considering trying the LPN thing to gain experience in the field in the mean time, cuz i have NONE. lol. good idea? bad idea?

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LPN is generally about 15 months or so. The LNA training is offered at the tech as a five credit course (so you can get financial aid) and takes one semester. They even have a really nice graduation ceremony and reception at the tech I attend in Laconia.

Red Cross also offers a LNA class which is much shorter and there are other places as well. Only thing is, I am not sure if you can get financial aid or not. Red Cross courses are starting soon here up north.

I think in MA, the classes are even shorter. But if you take it there, do both the CNA and the HHA together. The way MA licenses, it is best to get them together and done with if you are ever planning to do any provate duty. You see- you dont need the HHA part to work as an aide, but yo do to work as an aide for a company that bills medicaid/medicare. It is complicated. But the extra cert is easy and usually offered together.

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I guess my issue is that I have a game plan to get my RN asap, but i am interest in my LPN if there was a way to get it in the meantime w/out manipulating my game plan too much. It doesn't really sound like it's possible, but you seem pretty knowledgable in the matter... any info is greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

bassmasterangler, are you referring to LPN or LNA? Nursing assistants in NH are licenced, hence they are referred to as LNAs here (they are certified, or CNAs, in MA). LPN is a licensed practical nurse. As kukukajoo outlined, the courses are completely different... the CNA/LNA courses are fairly quick (one semester) whereas the LPN program is about three semesters long. You can bridge from an LPN to an RN, but those programs vary in length from 2 to 4 additional semesters depending on where you go.

Both jobs would give you different kinds of experience prior to going on for the RN. The CNA/LNA does more basic care such as activities of daily living (bathing, toileting, feeding, etc.), checking vitals, etc. LPNs are nurses who have many of the same responsibilities of RNs, but not all.

If your ultimate goal is to get your RN as soon as possible, I would not bother with LPN programs since they often add time to the process. Plus, in NH anyway, you can often sit for the NCLEX-PN (LPN licensing exam) after completing a certain amount of RN courses... the number varies depending on the program. I am not sure if MA has similar provisions, but it would be worth checking into. I hope this answers some of your questions.

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Thats great info... I live in MA, but im less than 10 min from the border of NH. I am not wasting anytime on my RN from this point on, but my inquiry refers to the possibilty of obtaining the necessary credentials to work as an LPN prior to completing my assoc RN. Where could I research to find out exactly what I need to complete in my RN venture to satisfy the criteria of the LPN programs. I would like to try to take the NCLEX-PN to get my foot in the door prior to RN graduation... i hope im not to confusing!

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I understand you! I think you may be a little late, unfortunately.

Actually, look into the programs at the techs here in NH. Go to NHCTC.edu for a list of them all.

The reason I say you may be too late is that I attend the tech in Laconia, NH as a senior in the RN program. After completion of first semester, we were automatically eligible to get LNA license without sitting for test. After completion of year one, we were eligible to sit for our LPN boards. We still had to test, but we could do it, and many from my class took advantage of it and are working part time as LPNS currently. Most of us only have to attend school and clinical Mon, Tues, Weds as we got all the general ed classes done already so there is plenty of time to work and study.

UNFORTUNATLEY for you, they changed the delivery slightly and the class that is now freshman do not have the same luxury.

BUT I think that the other techs still may be offering this type of arrangement. I am pretty certain NHTI does not offer it, though but I hear that at the 3/4 mark you can sit for LPN boards.

Best wishes to you!

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WOW. That would be really convienent. I have a good job now, one that i can study at and have decent amts of time for HW and such..but i want experience! Any idea how I can find out if this sort of situation applies to MA students? I am currently working on my pre-req's but Im trying to plan ahead and be diligent.

Thank you for your help KUKU :)

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

I would check the MA board of nursing to find out whether you can apply for LPN licensure with "comparable education" (this is the term the NH BON uses to refer to RN students sitting for the exam). Alternatively you could contact the schools you are interested in and find out whether it's an option. They should know if it is an option and if so they'd be able to tell you when in the course of education you'd be able to sit for the exam.

I know that for myself I am able to sit for the NCLEX-PN right now, but I only have 5 or 6 more months to go until I can sit for the NCLEX-RN. By the time I would have completed all the application materials and sat for the test I'd be back in classes and would not have time to orient for a new job as an LPN, so for me it really doesn't make sense to spend all that money on licensing and test fees just to do it again in less than 6 months. Just something to consider.

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MA rules state you have to have COMPLETED a program and when I discussed the above with them, they said beacause still in program, it was not considered completion. Kind of a catch 22. But I suppose if the program considers a certain point of RN education completion of the LPN program then that would work.

Harder for me being a non resident to transfer down there.

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Specializes in Alzheimers, Psych, Skilled, LTC, ICU/CCU.

Don't forget UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS!!

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Great info, my school has an info session on Weds. I will add this to my list of q's for them...if you have any others, let me know!

I prolly wouldnt go for the license either if i had like 5 mo's to go either, like you said between time, fees and applications...not worth it. Thank you both for the info :up:

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