The meanings of the unlicensed assistive personnel role in nursing homes: A triadic job analysis perspective.

AIM: This study described and analyzed how older residents, professional nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) perceive the meaning and content of the job carried out by UAP in nursing homes (NHs), as a basis for job analysis.

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of NH beds and financial restraints have led UAP to become a significant part of the long-term care service system, yet in numerous contexts, the UAP job remains misunderstood and underexplored.

METHOD: The research employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology. Data were collected from 50 semi-structured in-depth interviews with 18 UAP, 15 certified nurses and 17 older NH residents.

RESULTS: We identified six content dimensions in the participants' descriptions regarding the meanings of the roles and duties of the UAP: (a) care for the physical environment, (b) bodily-physical care, (c) psycho-social interpersonal care, (d) professional hierarchy and boundaries, (e) UAP personal traits and (f) UAP skills, or the need for training and professional education.

CONCLUSIONS: Future job definition and formal regulation of UAP should place more focus on the personal characteristics of UAP, as a prerequisite to enter the job.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The study takes a step forward toward better defining the professional boundaries delineating the meaning of the UAP position.