Emergency nursing
Overview
Emergency nursing is a specialty within the field of professional nursing focusing on the care of patients who require prompt medical attention to avoid long-term disability or death. In addition to addressing "true emergencies," emergency nurses increasingly care for people who are unwilling or unable to get primary medical care elsewhere and come to emergency departments for help. In fact, emergency nurses treat patients of all ages, handle a broad spectrum of illnesses and injury severity, and have the ability to recognize and treat a wide variety of ailments, quickly and efficiently.
History
The history of emergency nursing dates back to the time of the Crimean War, which took place from 1853 to 1856. Nightingale and her team of nurses improved the unsanitary conditions at a British base hospital, reducing the death count by two-thirds. Her writings sparked worldwide healthcare reform, and in 1860 she established St. Thomas' Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses. Emergency nursing has evolved over the years, with the establishment of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) in 1970, and the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) in 1980.
Roles and Responsibilities
Emergency nurses are endowed with specific knowledge, skills, and attributes to provide care for critically ill or injured patients. They are trained to manage acute patient illnesses and injuries, such as heart attacks, strokes, and fractures. They are also responsible for overseeing the administration of medication, interpreting patient information and making critical decisions about needed actions.
Education and Certification
To become an emergency nurse, one must first complete a nursing program through a two or four-year college and pass a national licensing exam. After gaining some experience, a nurse can apply to become a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), a designation that specifically prepares registered nurses to work in emergency medicine. The certification process involves a rigorous examination that covers all aspects of emergency care.
Challenges and Solutions
Emergency nursing can be a challenging specialty due to the high level of critical thinking, decision making, and wide knowledge base required. The unpredictable nature of patient illness requires a broad knowledge base across the lifespan and disease spectrum. However, the rewards of saving lives and making significant improvements in life-saving scenarios can outweigh the challenges.
Future Directions
The future of emergency nursing is expected to evolve with the changing healthcare landscape. With the increasing emphasis on reducing hospital admissions and focusing on preventative care, the role of the emergency nurse is likely to expand and become more diverse.