The working experiences of nurse aides in a medical center that employs a nursing skill mix model

Background: In the nursing skill mix model (a revised version of the nursing practice model) assigns an important role to nurse aides (NAs). However, few studies have explored the experiences of NAs working under this model from their own perspectives. Purpose: This study was designed to explore the working experiences of NAs at a medical center. Methods: A qualitative research design was used. The 15 NAs recruited were currently working in a skill mix model environment at one medical center. Content analysis was used to analyze interview and focus group meeting data. Research peers were also debriefed in order to increase study rigor. Results: Results focused on two themes. The first was "helping nature and values", which included "feeling of being needed," "contribute to a sense of achievement," "play independent functions," and "benefit the group." The second was "confusion regarding role enactment and job description", which included "feelings of powerless to handle complex patient situations," "excessive demands on physical capacity," "role function confusion," and "inadequate respect from team members." Conclusion: This study described meaningful perceptions and experiences of NAs working in medical centers. Results may provide information with which nurses and administrators may improve interaction with NAs and achieve NA role enactment within the nursing skill mix model.