The integration of unlicensed assistive personnel using an "Expanding Our Skills" workshop.

Emphasis on cost containment in health care is forcing healthcare institutions to implement skill-mix changes in patient care staffing. Research has shown that education for the nursing staff is imperative for successful implementation of such changes. In this article, the author describes the education program used to successfully facilitate the use of obstetric technicians in a large labor and delivery unit. Role clarification and education regarding delegation skills are key factors discussed.