Protecting the professional role. A study to review non-nursing activities and recommendations for change

In response to recommendations made from province-wide reports on the nursing shortage; and to concerns raised by nursing staff, the Department of Nursing at the Hospital for Sick Children, undertook a study to review the perceived support services available to the nurse at the bedside. A Nursing Unit Administrator (NUA) was seconded to do the review and make recommendations for change. The purpose was twofold: to determine tasks the nurse was presently performing that could be done by other personnel; and to recommended systems or roles needed to support nurses in the delivery of care. The seconded NUA worked with a resource group consisting of a Director of Nursing, Co-ordinator of Nursing Practise and two Assistant Nursing Unit Administrators (ANUA) to develop a questionnaire and interview tool for gathering information from staff. The questionnaires were distributed to all nursing staff and one hundred interviews were conducted by the NUA and two ANUA's. The data were examined and recommendations developed. The two most predominant findings identified the need for unit-based nursing aides and an expanded role unit clerk. Secondary findings indicated the need for expanded hours and coverage of most other support services. Implementation plans were developed with target dates.