No abstract

The adequate preparation of health care assistants is a matter which is causing nurses great concern. Neil Headford outlines the initiative developed by Barnsley Health Authority which is designed to comply with the recommendations of statutory educational bodies. The meticulously designed course offers health care assistants broad and challenging opportunities and is based on the principles of adult and open learning. Assessment of performance is achieved through a competency model which draws on the ideas of established researchers.

Nursing is undergoing radical and fundamental changes. The impact of Project 2000 and the recruitment and retention of professional staff have profound implications for the delivery of patient care. All this is taking place in a service under threat from the demographic 'black hole' - the dearth of young people who will work in the health service due to the low birth rate in the early 1970s. We believe the first level registered nurse (RN) has to assume a positive role if the profession is to play its full part in facing the challenges health care will bring in the future.