Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) are found in post-acute facilities, among other care settings.
LNAs are trained to aid head nurses to provide patients with basic care and support throughout the day.
Their duties require strength, compassion, and patience. This is because they help keep patients comfortable, move them around and help them with activities they can’t complete independently.
What are the Typical Responsibilities of a CNA?
Some of the CNA’s responsibilities depend on their practice setting. However, there are typical responsibilities of a CNA irrespective of where they work. The typical responsibilities of a nursing assistant include:
- Help patients with daily activities like going to the toilet and taking a bath.
- Serve and feed patients.
- Clean up the patient’s environment.
- Lift and move patients from wheelchairs to beds and back.
- Position and reposition bedridden patients to keep them comfortable.
- Monitor patients’ vital signs.
- Provide friendship and companionship for patients.
- Communicate patient needs and requirements to their family and doctors.
Where do LNAs Typically Work?
Licensed Nursing Assistants fit into several healthcare settings. Some of these settings include:
- Long-Term Care Facilities,
- Skilled Nursing Facilities,
- Nursing homes,
- Rehabilitation centers,
- Adult daycare centers,
- Home Health,
- Hospitals, etc.
However, they are more often found in rehabilitation centers, specialized nursing facilities, and home health centers.
What are the Requirements to Become a LNA?
If you’re planning to become a Licensed Nursing Assistant in New Hampshire, you’ll need the following:
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- Complete a state-accredited nursing program.
- Apply for a license with your state’s licensing board. In New Hampshire, applying for this test requires 200 hours of paid work in the last two years.
- Complete all other state requirements.
What are the Benefits of Working as a CNA?
Job stability
There is a high demand for Licensed Nursing Assistants, and the demand for them keeps growing.
Rewarding career path
LNAs make the most impact on a patient because they are primary caregivers and spend a lot of time with patients. As a result, they form good relationships that are emotionally rewarding.
Licensed Nursing Assistants who are passionate about helping others feel the most satisfied with this type of job.
An affordable entry point into healthcare
LNA programs are more affordable than many other training options out there. Once you’ve successfully become a Licensed Nursing Assistant, you can decide to pursue other opportunities in healthcare. Your experience will surely give you a boost when you apply to those programs.
What is the Average Pay for a LNA?
The average pay for an LPN depends on the location, years of service, and other factors. However, the average LNA in New Hampshire earns approximately $19.31 per hour and $40,168 annually. The average hourly rate for an IntelyPro licensed nursing assistant in New Hampshire area is $16 – $40/hr.
Looking to Become a CNA?
The work of an LNA is physically demanding yet rewarding. Aside from providing basic care, you need to be compassionate, patient, and kind to the patients you care for.
If you’re considering work in a post-acute-focused area like hospice, you’ll need to be mentally prepared to work in these places.
If you’re planning to go down this career path, know that it is as rewarding as it is challenging.
Are you considering pursuing the fast-paced and rewarding work of a licensed nursing assistant? Don’t wait! Join the IntelyCare team today, and get an opportunity to give care where and when you want!