Nurses' Perceptions of the Nurse Assistant Role in Providing Quality Care in the Nursing Home

Although nurse assistants provide most of the direct care to nursing home residents, there is limited information about their role in delivering quality care. This qualitative study used focus groups of licensed nurses who supervise nurse assistants in the nursing home to learn more about the nurse assistant role. Focus group interviews explored opinions about good care, characteristics of nurse assistants who provide good care, and concerns about supervising these workers. Results showed that licensed nurses hold positive opinions about nurse assistants and the importance of the work they do. Nurses also identified some reservations they have in regard to supervising nurse assistants. Within the context of role theory, implications for training, as well as ways that licensed nurses and nurse assistants can work together to enhance care for nursing home residents, are discussed.