In my indepth case study I investigated the professional development of helathcare assistants (HCAs) in NW Ireland. A purposive sample of 19 HCAs, 174 nurses and 3 DoNs took part. I found that HCAs attain a good educational experience, feel motivated to learn and have a good relationship with nurses. However, on completion of the HCSC, HCAs feel frustrated when there are no changes to their role. DoNs believe that the introduction of the HCSC and HCAs was managed poorly by policy makers and by themselves as managers. Ambiguity remains about the responsibilities of trained HCAs and...