Is it possible to become an LNA...

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
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

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

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!

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

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:

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!

Quote from SkiingCaitMentalHealthRN - 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!

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

Quote from mentalhealthRNLNA??? 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

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

I to live in NH have i have my LNA

That's exactly what I'm doing, I have been a CNA for six months, working in a nursing home. I was lucky to find a nursing home, that offered free training and a job. I'm looking into Nursing Schools, and they have asked if I have experience. It will open your eyes if you really want to get into health care field. Good Luck!