Healthcare assistants: the new registration route

Abstract

A number of locally organised schemes now exist to help healthcare assistants access programmes leading to qualified nursing status. Although some schemes have been operating for some time, little has been done to evaluate their effectiveness. However, drawing on the literature that has addressed indicators of successful completion among entrants taking a more conventional route into nursing, it is possible to predict which individuals are most likely to complete courses and course-related factors that encourage successful completion.

Commentary on McKenna HP, Keeney S and Hasson F (2005) Views on the ground: teaching and clinical assessors’ views on vocational training for healthcare assistants in Ireland. Journal of Clinical Nursing 14, 426–434

“…There has been a lack of agreement over which tasks healthcare staff in support roles should be allowed to undertake, with concerns about the effect of their lack of training on patient care (Gould et al. 2004).…”