Abstract
Aims
To identify crucial programme characteristics and group mechanisms of, and lessons learned from hindrances in an empowerment programme for certified nursing assistants and contribute to the development of similar programmes in other care settings.
Design
Exploratory qualitative study.
Methods
Between May 2017 and September 2020, we used in-depth interviews and participant observations to study four groups participating in an empowerment programme for certified nursing assistants (N = 44).
Results
We identified three crucial empowerment-enhancing programme characteristics: (1) inviting participants to move outside their comfort zone of caregiving; (2) stimulating the use of untapped talents, competencies and interests; (3) supporting the rediscovery of participants' occupational role and worth. Crucial group mechanisms encompassed learning from and with each other, as well as mechanisms of self-correction and self-motivation. Hindrances included a perceived lack of direction, and a lack of organizational support and facilitation.
Conclusion
We showed the significance of creating an inviting and stimulating environment in which participants can explore and function in ways they otherwise would not. Likewise, we identified how this can help participants learn from, critically correct and motivate one another.
Impact
The programme under study was uniquely aimed to empower certified nursing assistants. Our insights on crucial programme characteristics and group mechanisms may benefit those who develop empowerment programmes, but also policymakers and managers in supporting certified nursing assistants and other nursing professions in empowerment endeavours. Such empowerment may enhance employee retention and make occupational members more likely to address challenges affecting their occupational group and the long-term care sector.
To identify crucial programme characteristics and group mechanisms of, and lessons learned from hindrances in an empowerment programme for certified nursing assistants and contribute to the development of similar programmes in other care settings.
Design
Exploratory qualitative study.
Methods
Between May 2017 and September 2020, we used in-depth interviews and participant observations to study four groups participating in an empowerment programme for certified nursing assistants (N = 44).
Results
We identified three crucial empowerment-enhancing programme characteristics: (1) inviting participants to move outside their comfort zone of caregiving; (2) stimulating the use of untapped talents, competencies and interests; (3) supporting the rediscovery of participants' occupational role and worth. Crucial group mechanisms encompassed learning from and with each other, as well as mechanisms of self-correction and self-motivation. Hindrances included a perceived lack of direction, and a lack of organizational support and facilitation.
Conclusion
We showed the significance of creating an inviting and stimulating environment in which participants can explore and function in ways they otherwise would not. Likewise, we identified how this can help participants learn from, critically correct and motivate one another.
Impact
The programme under study was uniquely aimed to empower certified nursing assistants. Our insights on crucial programme characteristics and group mechanisms may benefit those who develop empowerment programmes, but also policymakers and managers in supporting certified nursing assistants and other nursing professions in empowerment endeavours. Such empowerment may enhance employee retention and make occupational members more likely to address challenges affecting their occupational group and the long-term care sector.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2949-2959 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Journal of Advanced Nursing |
| Volume | 78 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| Early online date | 9 Apr 2022 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research was funded by grants from The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (Project no. 206140002) and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports (328632).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Funding
This research was funded by grants from The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (Project no. 206140002) and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports (328632).
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development | 206140002 |
| Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport | 328632 |
Keywords
- certified nursing assistants
- empowerment programme
- leadership qualities
- long-term care sector
- nursing
- programme evaluation
- qualitative approaches