Preparing competent assistive personnel for ICU

With diminishing financial resources, healthcare institutions are evaluating ways to offer quality patient care effectively, using the most appropriate level of personnel. As part of an institutional work redesign program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, a new work role was developed to support the professional nurse at the bedside in the intensive care unit. Role qualifications, responsibilities, training and implementation strategies are discussed, together with information on patient care outcomes and staff satisfaction.