The case for advanced practice nurses in ED

Abstract

Australia is a land of contrasts: this is particularly true of health care, and especially true of emergency care. However, contrasts in the terminology and variety of roles of advanced practice nurses appear to have led to some confusion about the extent and potential benefit of their contribution to emergency services. A nationally consistent approach to emerging nursing roles in Australian emergency departments would not only enable the consistent and continual development of advanced practice roles for emergency department (ED) nurses, but could also improve efficiency and thus patient welfare. Advanced practice nurses at all levels must, however, be vigilant in ensuring that the public and other health professionals understand the nature and extent of their advanced practice as this will lead to greater acceptance of extended nursing practice. It is also important that in creating roles for advanced practitioners, there is evidence the initiatives will benefit patients, and improve care. The benefits of advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist can be demonstrated by the following case study, which shows how the role of an ED nurse might be naturally extended, and how nurse-initiated management can contribute to reducing contemporary emergency department challenges such as extended waiting times.