Nursing needs to sort out the role of nursing assistants

The time is nigh to give serious reconsideration to the role of the nursing auxiliary or healthcare assistant. There are several factors at present which are pushing this issue for a major review. First, the individuals themselves are confused as to what their role is, given that there is no clear definition of an auxiliary nurse or healthcare assistant. Second, the training for the role is still very varied, despite the national vocational qualification (NVQ) system. Third, there is a shortage of qualified registered general nurses. Fourth, registered general nurses are taking on more medical tasks. Finally, gaps are appearing in the continuity and quality of the traditional core care practice of nursing.