Experiences and needs of certified nursing assistants regarding coaching by bachelor educated nurses in nursing homes: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Dutch nursing home care has become increasingly complex. Quality of nursing home care is endangered since certified nursing assistants are expected to provide high complex care while being educated to provide low complex care. For certified nursing assistants to remain competent, coaching by bachelor educated nurses is required. However, knowledge is lacking on how bachelor educated nurses can provide valid coaching explicitly to certified nursing assistants. Insight into experiences and needs of certified nursing assistants enables bachelor educated nurses to achieve coaching validity. Aim: The aim of this study was to gain insight into experiences and needs of certified nursing assistants regarding coaching by bachelor educated nurses in nursing homes. Method: A generic qualitative multicenter design was applied. Certified nursing assistants were purposively selected from five nursing homes. Semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted in March and April 2020. Analysis relied on Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes emerged: bachelor educated nurses prerequisites and value of bachelor educated nurses. Certified nursing assistants (n = 9) defined prerequisites within the scope of: retaining autonomy, being visible and reachable, adapting communication style, clarifying job description, participating in care, and being equal. Certified nursing assistants perceived bachelor educated nurses as valuable when bachelor educated nurses fulfill coaching needs of certified nursing assistants through empowering, educating, and being an intermediary between management and certified nursing assistants. Conclusion: When bachelor educated nurses meet the described prerequisites with the support of nursing home managers, bachelor educated nurses can demonstrate their value and provide valid coaching to certified nursing assistants. Future research is necessary on the perspectives of bachelor educated nurses and nursing home managers to gain a comprehensive understanding of coaching.