Through focus groups, we have learned that nurse aides long for more recognition as members of the health care team and better skills with which to serve their clients and patients. The new education programs cover three major areas including improved clinical skills, better communication and professional conduct. Some of the specific topics to be covered include infection control, hydration, treating pressure ulcers, caring for people with cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease, and working as part of a team. The continuing education programs being evaluated cover education needs identified by nurse aides and nurses working in long-term care settings. In North Carolina and across the country, concerns have been mounting that too many nurse aides are leaving the profession.
Nurse aides provide most of the paid long-term care needed by frail elderly and disabled adults.
Home care agencies, assisted living facilities and nursing homes rely heavily on this workforce to meet the care needs of their clients and patients and are experiencing severe shortages of these workers. Surveys have shown that although low pay is one reason why nurse aides are leaving the field, job dissatisfaction and the need for more education are also major factors.