Wellbeing, career satisfaction, and educational requirements in healthcare assistants in Ireland

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Abstract Background The long-term residential care (LTRC) sector in Ireland relies heavily on Health Care Assistants and Carers (HCAs). This workforce has become increasingly diverse in recent years, often relying on non-national temporary workers with varying levels of education. In 2022, of 22,495 HCAs and 5,289 Healthcare Support Assistants working in 563 nursing homes caring for some 30,000 residents, 22% were non-national. Their plight became evident during COVID-19 which had profound consequences in the LTRC sector. Objectives In this study, we investigate the recruitment, training, employment terms and conditions of HCAs in Ireland, as well as their general well-being and career satisfaction. Methods A cross-sectional study of members of ‘Care Assistance Ireland’, for which ethics approval was granted for an estimated sample of 1,052, is conducted. Validated instruments used are: the Maastricht Instrument for Sustainable Employability (MAISE); Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES); General Wellbeing Schedule (GWBS) and Minnesota Career Satisfaction Survey (MCSS). Results The internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) of GWBS and MCSS instruments were high. The response rate in the selected sample is estimated circa 60%, the majority being female and qualified. General well-being status will be investigated once all responses are submitted. Spearman correlation is predicated to show moderate to strong positive correlations (0.2-0.9) for all GWBS and MCSS questionnaires questions. While MAISE and UWES are still under investigation. It is predicted that there is variability in the requirements for, and terms and conditions of, employment among HCAs in Ireland, while job security remains a concern. Conclusions These findings reinforce the importance of ensuring standards for recruitment, training, job security and well-being for the LRTC workforce. The lack of educational requirements for HCAs in some settings is a critical consideration. Key messages • Findings will impel a more agreeable, consistent entry award in the healthcare system. • It profiles career needs of HCAs outlining the long-term shortfalls preventable with health policy enactments.

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