Strategy of Organization of Nurse Executives Use Nursing Assistants in Acute Care Hospitals

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was conducted to investigate the utilization of nursing assistants by top managers of the nursing divisions at acute care hospitals.

Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted of three top nursing division managers of acute care hospitals.

Results: The responses of the three top managers of the nursing divisions of acute care hospitals in regard to utilization of nursing assistants were classified into four categories: clear definition of objectives/goals, collaboration system establishment, collaboration processes by assignment to the chief nurse, and direct relationship with the assistants.

Discussion: The top managers of the nursing divisions viewed utilization of nursing assistants as collaboration with nurses and practiced dynamic management that moved the entire organization through establishing an organizational structure (including manpower management). An open issue with utilization of nursing assistants was the difficulty in securing nursing assistants. The top nursing division managers were attempting facilitation of recruitment and continued retention of nursing assistants within the framework of the policy of the medical facility they belonged to. In addition, the study suggested that a positive feedback be given to the chief nurse, who is the key to the utilization of nursing assistants.