Home Care Nursing |
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Licensed Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide
Career Profile
Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) work under the direction of RNs and LPNs and provide basic patient care and assist with nursing procedures. LNAs care for elderly, newborns, and children with special needs, those recovering from illness, injury or surgery, or individuals with disabilities in their own homes. LNAs typically have a great deal of patient contact as they are responsible for monitoring patient vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. The duties of a LNA often include helping with "activities of daily living," including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and assistance with self-administration of medicine.
Education, Training, and Certification
In New Hampshire, home health aides must be Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs). Licensing is granted upon successful completion of a standardized training program and passage of a written exam. Unlicensed providers of support services include homemakers, companions, and personal care attendants. Many long-term care facilities offer nursing assistant/aide training programs.
LNA Programs in the Granite State
- American Red Cross--Concord Chapter, 167 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301, 603/225-6697, www.concord-redcross.org or contact your local American Red Cross chapter.
- St. Joseph Hospital School of Practical Nursing, 5 Woodward Avenue, Nashua, NH 03061, 603/594-2567 or 1-800/370-3169, www.sjhacademiccenter.org.
In addition, individuals are encouraged to contact their local long-term care facilities or nursing homes, many of which offer nursing assistant/aide training programs.