Improving Pressure Ulcer Prevention Programming at the Front Lines: Nursing Assistants Do Make a Difference

Purpose: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has found that all staff need to participate in pressure ulcer prevention programs in order to be effective (1). Nursing Assistants (NA) are the associates called to the bedside most often to provide personal care for patients and have the least experience with education in skin care and pressure ulcer prevention.(2) Method/Objective: An online program to address pressure ulcers, skin care, incontinence and positioning closely met their scope of practice. Wound care staff and product representatives demonstrated appropriate use of skin care products with inservices. Outcomes: The pretest average was 79% and the post test improved scores to 90%. Nursing assistants increased their sense of ownership by; decreasing layers between patient and bed surface; taking initiative with preventative skin care and pressure redistribution; teaming up not to just turn patients but offload; and directly communicating with the primary RN and coworkers. Conclusion: Empowering the NA further, we held a pinning ceremony which included key note speeches of recognition and appreciation by the hospital CEO and CNO. Formal completion certificates were presented and each nursing assistant was pinned by their manager. The inpatient wound care team staked real value by including two peer selected nursing assistants on the Skin Care Committee. As members, they provide a voice and insight of the patient in the bed improving how we care for patients.