title: The experiences of undergraduate Assistants in Nursing (AIN).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  University academic timelines and a shortage of clinical placements available for students have created challenges for universities to provide maximum clinical exposure and preparation for practise. A State-run health system in Australia developed an incentive whereby students are actively recruited to work as Assistants in Nursing (AINs) whilst completing their undergraduate nursing programme, enabling them to enhance clinical skills learned during university. There have been no previous studies that reflect their experiences.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to explore and describe experiences of undergraduate AINs in the nursing workforce.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain in-depth accounts of the undergraduate AIN experience. Six participants who were employed at various healthcare facilities around the Sydney metropolitan area comprised the sample. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were thematically analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three main themes emerged from the data: becoming part of the team, understanding the scope of the AIN role, and working outside your comfort zone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings can add to international discussions in the literature related to the training and education of ancillary nursing staff. Furthermore findings provide insights into some of the challenges faced by tertiary institutions in preparing students for the clinical work environment. Whilst the employment of undergraduate AIN's can be an effective strategy, the lack of formalised guidelines to inform those working with undergraduate AINs may hinder the full potential of their employment.
authors.affiliation: Family and Community Health Research Group, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Science, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC NSW 2751, Australia. m.algoso@uws.edu.au
authors.forename: Maricris
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Algoso
authors.forename: Kath
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peters
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D006801:Humans; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000193:education*; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*