Registered nurses' attitudes towards the role of the healthcare assistant

Aim: To elicit the views of registered nurses (RNs), working in the
surgical directorate of an acute NHS trust, concerning the
responsibilities of RNs to healthcare assistants (HCAs), specifically
in relation to delegation, development and accountability.

Method: A survey using a 24-item questionnaire and a six-point Likert
scale design was administered to a convenience sample of 219 RNs
working within the surgical directorate. A total of 148 completed
questionnaires were returned, giving a 68% response rate.

Results: The results suggested that the majority of RNs were aware
of their responsibilities regarding accountability for delegated tasks,
believe that HCAs should be regulated and, once prepared
adequately, held individually accountable for their actions.

Conclusion: RNs should undertake appropriate skill development in
pre-registration programmes and be provided with preceptorship
to ensure they are equipped adequately to supervise and delegate
work to HCAs.