An evaluation of the critical care assistant role within an acute NHS Trust Critical Care Unit

McGloin, Sarah and Knowles, Judie (2005) An evaluation of the critical care assistant role within an acute NHS Trust Critical Care Unit. Nursing in Critical Care, 10 (4). pp. 210-215. ISSN 1478-5153

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	ITU, Critical Care Unit, Nursing Workforce Education
Faculty:	ARCHIVED Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education (until September 2018)
Depositing User:	Dr Judie Knowles
Date Deposited:	02 Nov 2017 16:49
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2022 15:32
URI:	https://arro.anglia.ac.uk/id/eprint/702406

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