WHAT IT IS:
Consistent assignment means residents have the same CNAs and nurses caring for them every day whenever these staff are working. Rotating assignment means that CNAs and nurses rotate to different groups of residents after a period of time, whether daily, weekly, monthly, or even after 3 months. Best practice is consistent assignment for housekeeping, activities, social services and therapies as well as CNAs and nurses.
WHY DO IT:
The research is now conclusive that consistent assignment of CNAs and nurses improves clinical, workforce, and organizational outcomes. Thirteen studies show that consistent assignments lead to enhanced relationships; improved staff attendance; improved staff, resident, and family satisfaction; lower staff turnover; improved accuracy and timeliness of screening and assessments; improved clinical outcomes; and improved quality of life. All the concerns frequently expressed as fears about implementing consistent assignment – staff burn-out, staff not knowing residents not on their assignment, unscheduled absences, and how to take care of the hardest people – already exist when staff rotate and can be handled better with consistent assignments.
Consistent assignments transform caregiving from “tasks” to relationship-based care. Residents know who is taking care of them and feel secure in the consistency of the relationship. They trust that “their CNA” knows just how to take care of them. Families share that trust and feel they are in a “partnership” with “their caregiver.” Consistent assignment reduces grievances and complaints as staff are better able to meet residents’ and families’ needs. Staff are dedicated to their residents. Most CNAs come into this field because they care about people and want to make a difference in the residents’ lives. Having a consistent assignment allows relationships to grow so that CNAs feel more satisfaction from their caregiving role.
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