Publication Date
Spring 2024
Degree Type
Doctoral Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Ruth K. Rosenblum
Second Advisor
Lisa Walker-Vischer
Third Advisor
Aimee Ruskin
Abstract
Background
As ambulatory care grows in complexity, there is a growing need to ensure that staff possess a high level of competence and team effectiveness to provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective care. Leveraging the expertise and leadership skills of Registered Nurses (RN) to support the team of unlicensed, Medical Assistants (MA) will be incentivized. With limited knowledge of MA preparation to meet the rapidly changing demands, managers will struggle to build effective teams and look to the impact of RN- supported MA onboarding to bridge skill gaps.
Purpose
To examine this issue, a quasi-experimental, quality improvement study was done to explore MA competence and RN perceptions of work effectiveness using two MA onboarding models: one that utilizes an RN to support MA onboarding and one that utilizes a peer MA.
Methods
Previously collected blood pressure competency data obtained from direct observation of MAs were obtained for the two groups. Organizational relationship and global empowerment survey scores were collected for the RNs in the two groups.
Results
No significant difference was found between the two groups in MA blood pressure competency nor the RNs organizational effectiveness scores. A strong correlation was identified between an RNs perception of work effectiveness with their manager and other support staff. RN employment tenure was strongly linked to improved team empowerment.
Implications for Practice
Findings suggest that RN tenure with the employer and manager-RN collaboration strength may be more predictive of team empowerment and RN-MA work effectiveness than direct involvement in MA onboarding or competency development alone. Efforts to strengthen the Manager-RN relationship in leadership partnership may be key to improving team effectiveness in the rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Recommended Citation
Burckin, Colleen, "Examining the Impact of Registered Nurse Engagement in Medical Assistant Clinical Competency Development and Team Effectiveness in Ambulatory Care" (2024). Doctoral Projects. 179.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.c3rv-gar7
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/179
