Staff in Australian nursing homes: their qualifications, experience and attitudes

Abstract

This paper is based upon findings from a study carried out by the Institute of Nursing Research between 1989 and 1990. The major objective of the study was to determine the impact of staffing mix on nursing home residents’ quality of care and life as measured against the standards set out in ‘Living in a Nursing Home’. An additional objective was to identify if there are any factors which may constrain or influence optimality.

‘Skills mix’ is sometimes used to describe the ratio of different levels of staff in terms of qualifications. The literature suggests, however, that such factors are only one dimension of skills mix in terms of the skills which people bring into their work in nursing homes. Other factors include the numbers of staff; the mix of staff in terms of level of qualification; the life experience of staff; and the educational experience of staff. This paper examines the findings of the study in the light of staff characteristics based on the criteria identified.

The findings show that few registered nurses who work in nursing homes have specialist graduate certificates. Given the small numbers with gerontological training, it is difficult to determine the effect this has on outcomes. Enrolled nurses were the most dissatisfied with working in nursing homes which, it is suggested, is due to the nature of their training.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alan Pearson

Alan Pearson is currently Professor of Nursing, University of New England. His main interests are nursing as a practice discipline and the development of a greater understanding of nursing action.

Susan Hocking

Susan Hocking has interests in health economics and statistics.

Sarah Mott

Sarah Mott’s main interests include the factors that impact on the lives of older people.

Anne Riggs

Anne Riggs’focus of interest is the sociology of health care and social gerontology.