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An evaluation of the critical care assistant role within an acute NHS Trust Critical Care Unit
Author(s) -
McGloin Sarah,
Knowles Judie
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
nursing in critical care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.689
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1478-5153
pISSN - 1362-1017
DOI - 10.1111/j.1362-1017.2005.00120.x
Subject(s) - staffing , nursing , unit (ring theory) , critical care nursing , medicine , acute care , health care , work (physics) , intensive care unit , vocational education , critical success factor , psychology , business , process management , political science , engineering , mechanical engineering , pedagogy , mathematics education , law
This study provides an evaluation of a training programme designed for developing six critical care assistants to work alongside registered nurses to care for patients within the critical care environment. The programme was run as a pilot funded from the Department of Health's ‘critical care bid’. At 18 months long, the programme incorporated a foundation programme, and National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 in care and adapted Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) NVQ units. Six critical care assistants successfully completed the programme; however, they all then left the unit to undertake further study for pre‐registration nursing qualifications. Upon evaluation, a number of key issues were identified. Clear definition of the critical care assistants's role is essential as are dedicated practice development staff, who focus purely on developing the critical care assistant role. More importantly, however, with such key changes in the staffing structure within critical care units, appropriate change management techniques should be employed, ensuring that all staff contributing to the training and development are fully involved from the start.