Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
Licensed nursing assistants provide direct patient care under nurse supervision — vitals, personal care, transport, and the hands-on work of patient support.
What it's like to be a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
A typical day involves rotating between patients for vitals, personal care, and assistance with daily living. The pace tends to be steady with bursts of intensity.
Collaboration involves nurses, doctors, patients, and families. What's harder than expected is the physical and emotional demands — care work is hard on the body, and being present for hard moments takes resources.
Those who thrive tend to be patient, physically capable, and good with people. If you find satisfaction in hands-on patient care, the role often feels meaningful.
Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.
Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.
How this category is changing
Skills & Requirements
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