| Learning Objective #1: Identify characteristics of good RN and unlicensed assistive personnel working relationships | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss how working relationships between RN and unlicensed assistive personnel have implications for the design of nursing care models |
Objective: To understand how Registered Nurses (RNs) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) work together in delivering patient care. Design: A qualitative investigation using phenomenologic analytical techniques examined the stories of RNs and UAPs, who participated in focus sessions to discuss how they work together in the practices of patient care. Sample: A convenience sample of 24 staff members (13 RNs and 11 UAPs) were recruited from 32 nursing units within an 870 bed tertiary teaching hospital. Each worked a minimum of 1 year in their current position. Method: A total of 15 focus sessions were conducted: 7 with RNs and 8 with UAP. The RNs and UAP participated in separate groups to ensure that each group would feel comfortable in discussing issues relevant to how work is conducted on nursing units. Focus sessions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed and interpreted to reveal the meanings of RN and UAP patient care practices. Findings: Three themes emerged from the data: working relationships, care delivery practices, and knowing patients. Qualities of good RN-UAP relationships include initiative, good communication, an appreciaiton of contributions, and demonstration of a willingness to help each other with tasks. The assignment of UAP to multiple RNS creates significant problems in regards to the communication of care activities, appropriate collaboration and delegation, and the understanding of roles. Experienced UAP demonstrated a practical level of knowing patients that allowed UAP to make important contributions to the patient care process. Implications: The manner in which the work of patient care is organized and delivered by RNs and UAPs has implications for the quality of working relationships, the efficiency in care delivery, and ultimately patient care outcomes.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003