Assignment: Role Discrepancy

NOW F OR AN ORIGINAL PAPER ASSIGNMENT:Assignment: Role Discrepancy

Role discrepancy

Creating a Safe Work Environment

Health care organization activities to increase likelihood that UAP used effectively and appropriately

Clearly defined organizational structure

RN recognized as leader of health care team

Clear job descriptions defining roles and responsibilities

Uniform training and orientation programs for UAPs

Adequate program development in leadership and delegation for RNs

Question #3

Is the following statement true or false?

The RN is responsible for instructing UAP in how to properly perform the assigned care.

Answer to Question #3

False

The RN is responsible for instructing UAP as to who needs care and when. The UAP is accountable for knowing how to properly perform the assigned care and when to call in others for tasks beyond limits of knowledge and training. The RN must know if UAP has knowledge and skills to perform assigned task. If not, then the RN should not delegate the task.

UAP Shortage #1

Demand for UAP growing; persons typically filling these positions declining

Graham (2017): Acute shortages occurring across the United States, but in some states, the problem is worse than others

Current nationwide shortage of well-trained UAP in all settings—high turnover rate

Long hours, inadequate staffing, physical and emotional job demands, low pay

Negative messages from managers, supervisors, coworkers

UAP Shortage #2

Current nationwide shortage (cont.)

Lack of employer-paid benefits

Limited career paths

Less-than-ideal working conditions; high turnover rate leaving others short-handed

Outdated federal regulations for minimum standards for staffing in nursing homes

Hazards related to exposure to infectious diseases and drug-resistant infections

Emotional exhaustion brought on by occupational fatigue

UAP Shortage #3

Possible solutions

Financial incentives

Addressing the barriers to incorporating UAP into modes of care

Making sure UAP is successfully recognized as a delegated clinical role

Doing more to recruit and retain UAPs

End of Presentation