The trainee assistant in nursing: a pilot exercise in building and retaining a workforce
Diane Deshong A B and Amanda Henderson AA Nursing Practice Development Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: diane_deshong@health.qld.gov.au
Australian Health Review 34(1) 41-43 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH09641
Submitted: 9 April 2008 Accepted: 27 May 2009 Published: 25 March 2010
Abstract
With increasing pressures on the skilled nursing workforce, strategies need to be developed to maximise the value of the existing workforce without impacting on the quality of care delivery. This paper reports on the introduction of a Commonwealth and State subsidised program for assistants-in-nursing (AINs) to assist in addressing the global nursing shortage. The program – which has included education sessions with registered nurses about the role of the AIN, delegation and supervision, and has also sustained support to the participants throughout the duration of their employment – has delivered benefits locally to the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) and, broadly, to the nursing profession. Most of the participants completing the program have chosen to continue their employment at PAH or pursue further studies in nursing.
What is known about the topic? The shortage of skilled nurses means there is a need for innovative solutions to support the existing workforce.
What does this paper add? The development of an assistant-in-nursing role was seen as a successful development for a Queensland hospital.
What are the implications for practitioners? The trained assistants have largely remained employed in the area and 68% have gone on to further nursing education.
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