Unlicensed assistive personnel: a dilemma for nurses

Abstract

There has been much discussion in the past 4 years concerning the use of UAP. One thing is certain: UAP are going to be part of the healthcare team for the foreseeable future. Nurses must educate themselves to be prepared to head the team of caregivers found in today's acute care facilities. Studying the literature and being aware of the role of UAP, the legalities of nursing delegated tasks, and legislative changes will help nurses cope with the ever changing landscape of medicine.