The use of the minimally trained, low wage clinical non-licensed personnel (CNLP), who perform clinical tasks under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or other licensed clinical providers, has been a primary strategy for hospitals both to manage professional shortages and reduce costs.

This article examines the nurse-related clinical non-licensed personnel (CNLP) staffing in US hospitals between 2010 and 2014, in terms of their job categories, staffing trends, and relationship with registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) staffing.