Teaching RNs how to select a nursing assistant partners.

Abstract

In today's world of health care restructuring, most RNs will work with a Nursing Assistant (NA) or other unlicensed nursing personnel. Problems from lack of the RN's supervision skills can create difficulties in the NA's performance, interfere with the working relationship of the RN/NA pair, and decrease nurse satisfaction in working with assistants. Teaching staff to choose a NA partner is an important first step in increasing the RN's ability to supervise the NA. This experienced author describes key strategies for teaching RNs interviewing and hiring skills needed for skillmix changes and partnerships.