Comparing qualified nurse and auxiliary roles

This paper describes the contribution of nursing auxiliaries (NAs) compared with qualified nurses (QNs) in terms of activities performed. It also examines how this was affected by three organisational types, namely primary, team and functional nursing. Twelve QNs and 12 NAs were chosen randomly in each organisational type. Data were collected using non-participant observation and a computerised event recorder. The most interesting findings were found across organisational type, with QNs and NAs within each type engaging in similar patterns of work. Both grades of nursing staff in primary wards spent a greater amount of time in direct patient care but less time in supplementary patient care and staff activities. Team and functional nursing staff spent more time with patients in domestic and administrative activities. The implications of these findings for the employment of NAs in care of the elderly wards are discussed.