Asian Nurs Res.  2023 Feb;17(1):1-7. 10.1016/j.anr.2022.11.003.

Relationship between Unit-Level Nurses' Expectations from Nursing Assistant Roles and Individual Nursing Assistants’ InformationSharing Behaviors: A Multilevel Mediation Analysis

• Saiki M
• Takemura Y
• Kunie K

• KMID: 2542724
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.anr.2022.11.003

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the expectations of unit-level nurses from nursing assistants (NAs), frequency of individual NAs' information-sharing behaviors with nurses, and the effect of NAs’ self-perceived roles on this relationship. NAs provide patient care along with nurses, and their information-sharing behaviors with nurses may be influenced by the expectations of the nurses.
Methods
Nurses and NAs from 104 integrated community care (sub- and postacute) units were included in this Japanese cross-sectional study conducted from July to September 2018. Nurses' expectations from NAs and the NAs' self-perceived roles and information-sharing frequency were measured. Multilevel mediation analysis was performed for NAs’ information-sharing behaviors, such as expressing, asking, providing linguistic responses, and providing feedback.
Results
Unit-level nurses' expectations from NAs were associated with the frequency of NAs' asking and responding behaviors with nurses (p < .05), mediated by the NAs' self-perceived roles. The frequency of NAs’ expressing behaviors and feedback were also associated with their self-perceived roles (p < .001).
Conclusions
High expectations of unit-level nurses from NAs led to better perception by NAs of their roles and led to better information-sharing behaviors. Educating nurses on NAs’ roles may improve information-sharing between nurses and NAs that leads to safe and appropriate care to patients.

Keyword

communication; multilevel analysis; nurses; nursing assistants; professional role