Technicians in critical care: training, supervisory, and legal aspects.

An extra pair of hands is a precious commodity because of today's nursing shortage. Should technicians without nursing credentials be assigned to fulfill the role of nurses in critical care areas? Many have already voiced their opinions against the Registered Care Technologist (RCT) proposal of the American Medical Association (AMA), but it is time to examine the larger issue: the broad use of technicians in critical care. This author clarifies important factors regarding the use of technicians in critical care.