A comparison of job performance of East Tennessee nursing assistants trained by different methods

The purpose of this study was to identify attitudes related to job satisfaction, supervision and job performance of nursing assistants trained by vocational programs and employed in long term health care facilities for one year. Other purposes were to determine if there were differences in the rate of absenteeism, number of times disciplined and the safety record while employed. Nursing assistants trained by on-the-job methods were used as the comparison group.

Questionnaires on job satisfaction and satisfaction with supervision were administered to 121 nursing assistants, 53 trained by vocational programs and 68 by on-the-job methods. The supervisors of the 121 nursing assistants filled out a performance rating evaluation instrument for each assistant.

The null hypotheses were:

1. There is no significant difference of job satisfaction be tween nursing assistants trained in vocational programs and those trained on the job.

2. There is no significant difference of satisfaction with supervision between nursing assistants trained by vocational programs and those trained on the job.

3. There is no significant difference of scores on the job performance ratings between nursing assistants trained in vocational programs and those trained on the job.

4. There is no significant difference of the yearly absenteeism rate between nursing assistants trained in vocational programs and those trained on the job.

5. There is no significant difference of the number of re corded yearly disciplinary problems between nursing assistants trained in vocational programs and those trained on the job.

Conclusions were:

1. Both groups of nursing assistants were satisfied with their jobs, immediate supervision and performed their jobs satisfactorily.

2. Nursing assistants trained on the job were absent less, needed less disciplinary action and had less injuries while employed than vocationally trained nursing assistants.