Working with Assistants in Nursing (AiN)
The Healthcare Assistant Initiative
The Healthcare Assistant Initiative was implemented by NSW Health to expand and enhance the health assistant workforce, including the role of the Assistant in Nursing in the acute care environment. A process of consultation has occurred as part of this Initiative to establish a consistent approach to the education, role and employment of Assistants in Nursing in the NSW public health system.
The aims of the Healthcare Assistant Initiative are to:
- improve utilisation of Assistants in Nursing in nursing teams in a ward or unit setting to support models of care and better integrate this role into team work practices;
- further develop assistant roles in supporting health professionals, and better utilise skills within the professional workforce;
- facilitate appropriate training programs for the Assistant in Nursing role, in consultation with health professionals; and
- standardise titles and position descriptions for Assistants in Nursing across the NSW public health system.
If you know someone who is interested in becoming an Assistant in Nursing, further information on training opportunities is available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/AIN
Click here to access a newsletter to get more information about the progress of the Healthcare Assistant Initiative.
Resources for working with Assistants in Nursing
A number of resources for working with Assistants in Nursing have been developed as part of the Healthcare Assistant Initiative. The resources are available for download using the links below and will provide you with a range of information about working with Assistants in Nursing including information such as their agreed scope of practice, clinical skill mix considerations and supervision guidelines.
- Health Service Implementation Package: Working with Assistants in Nursing in the acute care environment
The Health Service Implementation Package is comprised of four sections covering:
- Processes to assess and evaluate the incorporation of Assistants in Nursing into clinical environments;
- An overview of the education and development of Assistants in Nursing;
- The components establishing the scope of practice of an Assistant in Nursing; and
- Delegation and supervision guidelines.
The position description describes the acute care Assistant in Nursing position details, qualifications, key functions, scope of practice and responsibilities.
The ANMC Guidelines for Delegation and Supervision for Nurses and Midwives are a part of the professional practice framework designed to support nurses and midwives in relation to their practice obligations. The national standards are developed in relation to the current regulatory and legislative environments that govern Australian healthcare. The guidelines are available from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council website using the above link.