Improving the health assistant in nursing employment model through entry to practice nursing student perceptions: a cross-sectional study

Background: A model employing entry to practice nursing students as health assistants in nursing (HANs) was developed to support the nursing workforce. Objective: This research examines the perceived benefits of being employed as a HAN to graduate entry to practice nursing students. Design: Cross-sectional study Methods: A web-based 33-item questionnaire was open to entry to practice nursing students employed as a HAN. Categorical measures were summarised using descriptive statistics. Qualitative comments were analysed thematically. Results: Of the 39 enrolled participants, 38 (97.4%) completed the study. Fifteen students (39.5%) commenced a graduate year in 2019, 12 (31.6%) commenced a graduate year in 2020 and 11 (28.9%) will commence a graduate year in 2021. The participants viewed HAN employment as an opportunity to further develop as nurses and suggested that the HAN scope of practice expand to include their existing nursing scope of practice, thereby optimising their learning experience. Conclusion: The HAN model is viewed as a valuable model of employment by entry to practice nursing students; however, the HAN scope of practice is viewed as too limited and not conducive to self-development. This may impact on the retention of HAN employees as they transition to registered graduate nurse employment. Impact statement: Graduate entry to practice nursing students offer direction on how to improve the Health Assistants in Nursing employment model.