INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP EFFECTS ON NURSE ASSISTANT COMPETENCY SCORES AND PERFORMANCE RATING: IMPLICATIONS FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.
Contributors: George Washington University.
Published: 1990
Number of pages: 149
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Education.
Description: This study examined individual and group characteristics of nurse assistants as predictors of competency test scores and job performance scores. The relationship between test and performance scores was also studied. The study assessed the readiness of nurse assistants to complete tests mandated by The Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA '87). The act established competency expectations of nurse assistants with the intent to improve the quality of care provided to the nation's elderly.

A sample of 105 nurse assistants, who represent a diverse group of health care providers, participated in the study. Individual characteristics analyzed included age, nationality, reading level, and years of education. Group characteristics included health care experience, work shift, type of training program, and relationship with an elderly person. Data were collected through personnel records, a behaviorally anchored performance appraisal instrument, the Educational Testing Service pilot study results, the Sucher-Allred Reading Inventory, and individual interviews.

Findings indicated that reading level, years of education, health care experience, and relationship with an elderly person significantly related to the proficiency level on both competency test sores and job performance scores. Nurse assistants who read at or above an eighth-grade level (45%) scored significantly higher than those who read below an eighth-grade level (55%). Health care experience exceeding five years influenced test and performance scores. On the basis of these findings, the study concluded that the failure rate on tests mandated by OBRA regulations will be greater than anticipated. Support from higher education and businesses will be needed to prepare these workers to meet this challenge.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-12, Section: B, page: 5808.

Thesis (ED.D.)--THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, 1990.

School code: 0075.