A Medication Nursing Assistant (MNA) is a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) who has completed a Board approved medication administration program conducted by a Board approved Registered Nurse. Board approved medication administration programs must offer a minimum of 30 hours of theoretical content and 30 hours of clinical content.
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.