It is concluded that the modest scope of health and aging course work and the small number of students in those courses does not come close to meeting the need for knowledgeable public health and aging participants. Although nurse assistants provide most the of the direct care to nursing home residents, there is limited information about their role in delivering quality care. This qualitative study used focus groups of licensed nurses who supervise nurse assistants in the nursing home to learn more about the nurse assistant role. Focus group, interviews explored opinions about good care, characteristics of nurse assistants who provide good care, and concerns about supervising these workers. Results showed that licensed nurses hold positive opinions about nurse assistants and the importance of the work they do.
Nurses also identifies some reservations they have in regard to supervising nurse assistants.
Within the context of role theory, implications for training, as well as ways that licensed nurses and nurse assistants can work together to enhance care for nursing home residents are discussed. The National Media Owl Award competition honors films and videos that help older adults and their families, and service providers working with older adults, find quality information and insight into issued and concerns associated with growing older. A Community Video was also recognized with an Owl Award. The Median Owl Award winners are described. You can also obtain sample copies of any Haworth Press titles from the address above.