What does the term "assistive personnel" refer to in nursing?

The term "assistive personnel" in nursing broadly refers to unlicensed staff members who provide support and assistance to licensed nursing professionals. This category typically includes individuals such as nursing assistants, home health aides, and other support roles that do not require a professional nursing license. Their responsibilities often encompass direct patient care tasks such as bathing, feeding, and helping with mobility, allowing licensed nurses to focus on more complex clinical duties.

Choosing "unlicensed staff" captures the essence of what assistive personnel represents in healthcare settings, highlighting their role in supporting patient care while working under the supervision of licensed practitioners. This distinction is critical in understanding the nursing team structure and the various levels of training and responsibility among healthcare workers.