While becoming a registered nurse can take several years, becoming a licensed nursing assistant (LNA) can be completed in as little as a few weeks. This profession necessitates training, but it does not necessitate the extensive education required many other medical professions. Training requirements vary location, but most allow people to enter the health care field quickly.
A high school diploma is usually required to work as an LNA in most places. Those without a diploma are not, however, excluded from this field. Instead, they may present a GED diploma or other credentials that are considered equivalent to a high school diploma.
An individual with a diploma or its equivalent can enroll in an LNA training program. This type of training can be found in a variety of locations. Many types of educational and nursing organizations, as well as the Red Cross in the United States, may offer programs. An aspiring LNA, for example, might be able to find a training program at a local high school or community college. She could also look into vocational-technical schools and nursing facilities for training.
Prospective LNAs can often complete their training and start working right away thanks to training programs. Some of these programs can be finished in as little as six to twelve weeks. The exact amount of training time required to become an LNA is determined a number of factors, including the jurisdiction’s LNA laws and the topics covered. If the end goal of training is certification, training programs may last longer than those that do not.
To work as an LNA in some states, you must first obtain a license or certification. This may necessitate the completion of an approved training program followed the passing of a licensing or certification exam. In other places, certification is optional, but it may be pursued voluntarily in the hopes of increasing one’s attractiveness to potential employers.
Before starting training to become an LNA, it’s a good idea to think about what the job entails. LNAs are expected to care for people who are unable to care for themselves and may need assistance with bathing, grooming, and using the bathroom. Some LNAs are also in charge of changing adult diapers and bedpans. LNAs are occasionally required to care for patients who are abrasive or unappreciative of their assistance. This job frequently necessitates a lot of patience as well as a nurturing attitude.