The successful utilization of nonlicensed assistive staff in a critical care area

Health care organizations are under public and political pressure to control costs, produce quality outcomes, and have high client/patient satisfaction levels. To reduce costs and capitalize on the talents and skills of professional nurses, a variety of organizational redesigns, reengineerings, and new role creations are taking place. This article explores the use of nonlicensed assistive/supportive staff in a critical care unit. The focus includes the salient objectives for the use of assistive/supportive staff, as well as criteria for decisions and design and a developmental model for role development.