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Design and implementation of a health care technician program
E C McGuire1, K M Howell, D S Kuhlman
1Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
|April 1, 1995
Summary
This study introduces a healthcare technician (HCT) program, emphasizing registered nurse-HCT partnerships. The model improves patient care through structured training and role integration for unlicensed assistive personnel.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Education
- Allied Health Professions
Background:
- Unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) require structured training models.
- Effective partnerships between registered nurses (RNs) and UAP can enhance patient care delivery.
- Nurse managers play a crucial role in facilitating UAP integration and team collaboration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the design and implementation of a practice model for unlicensed assistive personnel.
- To highlight the importance of registered nurse-HCT partnerships within the model.
- To define the nurse manager's role in supporting this collaborative practice.
Main Methods:
- The program involved 4 weeks of classroom education and guided clinical practice for HCTs.
- An additional 2-week orientation period with a registered nurse was included.
- HCTs were cross-trained in various patient care activities.
Main Results:
- The implemented model successfully integrated HCTs into the healthcare team.
- Registered nurse-HCT partnering was a key component of the program's success.
- Cross-training enabled HCTs to provide a broader range of services.
Conclusions:
- The developed practice model effectively trains and integrates unlicensed assistive personnel.
- This model enhances the level of service provided to patients by fostering RN-HCT collaboration.
- Nurse manager support is vital for the successful implementation of such programs.