What Does an LNA Do?
One of the many great features about a career in nursing is the number of job titles you can pursue. LNA is among them. (LNA means licensed nursing assistant.) The work is physically demanding yet rewarding. Aside from providing basic care, you need to be compassionate, patient, and kind to patients. So, exactly what is an LNA? Let’s explore this role, the responsibilities, education requirements, and salary expectations.
What Does an LNA Do?
LNAs are trained to aid head nurses to provide patients with basic care and support throughout the day. As an LNA, you might work in post-acute facilities, among other care settings.
Your duties in this job require strength, compassion, and patience. This is because you help keep patients comfortable, move them around, and help them with activities they can’t complete independently.
LNA vs. CNA
LNA and CNA (certified nursing assistant) refer to the same job. They’re simply called different things. Sometimes this role is also referred to as a certified licensed nursing assistant.
What Are Some LNA Nurse Duties?
Some LNA responsibilities depend on the practice setting. However, there are typical LNA job duties regardless of where you work. The typical responsibilities of a licensed nursing assistant include:
- Helping patients with daily activities like going to the toilet and taking a bath
- Serving and feeding patients
- Cleaning a patient’s environment
- Lifting and moving patients from wheelchairs to beds and back
- Positioning and repositioning bedridden patients to keep them comfortable
- Monitoring patients’ vital signs
- Providing friendship and companionship to patients
- Communicating a patient’s needs and requirements to their family and doctors
Where Can You Work With an LNA License?
As an LNA, you can find jobs in several healthcare settings, some of which include:
- Long-term care facilities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation centers
- Adult daycare centers
- Home health
- Hospitals
Most positions are in skilled nursing facilities such as rehabilitation centers and home health centers, as well as in hospitals. Have a look at the CNA jobs available right now to get some more insight into the types of work environments.
Wondering How to Become an LNA?
If you’re planning to become a licensed nursing assistant, 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
- Completion of all other state requirements
What Are the Benefits of Working as Certified Licensed Nursing Assistant?
There’s job stability. There is a consistent demand for LNAs, so your job opportunities are plentiful.
It’s a rewarding career path. LNAs make a big impact on a patient because you are the primary caregiver and spend a lot of time with your patients. As a result, you form good relationships that are emotionally rewarding. If you are passionate about helping others, you’ll likely feel very satisfied with this type of job.
It’s an affordable entry point into healthcare. LNA training is more affordable than many other training options out there. Once you’ve successfully received your LNA certification, 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 an LNA Expected to Earn?
The average LNA pay depends on the location, years of service, and other factors. However, the median LNA salary is $30,310 per year (around $14.50 per hour).
Looking for Shifts as an LNA?
If you’re considering pursuing the fast-paced and rewarding work of a licensed nursing assistant, you can find flexible scheduling options with IntelyCare. We have plenty of opportunities for shifts where and when you want.