An evaluation of a competency tool (Niche) to develop nursing assistants.

As UK society changes, with people living longer and with chronic conditions, and less people available of working age to provide nursing care, there is a need to re-think how health-care is organized and delivered. This is likely to have an affect on the non-registered component of the health-care workforce. However, if patient safety is to be maintained, it is paramount that the competence of individuals taking on roles that were carried out by trained staff must be ensured. This pilot study of a competency tool, National Incremental Competencies in Healthcare Education (Niche), demonstrated that individuals could expand or change their role as a result of completing the educational package. The evaluation aims to examine the usefulness of this competency tool in preparing nursing assistants to take on new roles and meet patients' needs.