Evaluating the knowledge deficits of registered nurses responsible for supervising nursing assistants. A learning needs assessment tool.

Nurse managers and clinical nurse specialists are constantly seeking ways to evaluate the learning needs of nursing staff. Increasingly, nursing assistants (NAs) are being employed by healthcare organizations in an effort to provide cost-effective care. Registered nurses may or may not have the skills necessary to supervise NAs. The nurse manager can use this threefold approach to identify knowledge deficits of staff members responsible for supervising NAs. Part A identifies delegation issues, Part B unveils cognitive deficits, and Part C gives the respondents a chance to share their perceived learning needs. Deciding how to expend limited resources is a difficult task for the nurse educator. This tool provides justification and direction for continuing education programs and other planned learning experiences.