Influence of the Nursing Assistant Role in Nurse Satisfaction, Efficiency, and Patient Satisfaction in the Postanesthesia Care Unit.

Abstract

Purpose: In response to nurse concerns of the need for additional support from unit nursing assistants (NA) at the bedside, we set a goal to improve RN satisfaction with the role of the NA in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

Design: Prospective pre/post design.

Methods: Using LEAN methodology, the NA role was expanded to encompass their full scope of practice at the bedside, and the responsibility of performing patient transport from the PACU was reallocated to a Centralized Transport Service over a 6-month period.

Findings: The total number of transports performed by NA decreased by approximately 20%. Time spent waiting for a Centralized Transporter decreased from an average of 56 to 11 minutes. RN satisfaction increased in the 3 areas explored, with a 12.5% increase in median overall satisfaction with the NA role. Our facility's Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores also increased from previous months after this project, alluding to more effective care delivered to patients in the PACU.

Conclusions: Realignment of roles can promote efficiency and throughput. Communication fosters teamwork and can improve staff satisfaction.