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The Role Of The Nurse

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Abstract The paper compares and contrasts the observed and evaluated role of the nurse practioner in the emergency department to that cited in professional guidelines, theory, and research. The paper evaluates what it entails for a nurse practioner to learn about their role within the health care system. I contacted Shannon Hamilton, FNP, MSN, for a knowledgeable discussion to explore the role of the advanced professional nurse in the emergency department. Ms. Hamilton is a novice in the field, having only practiced for two years, however she is able to give a fresh insight on the role of the advanced practice nurse in the emergency setting. Prior to the interview, the researcher reviewed the mission, vision, and goals of the agency…show more content…
ED ACNP have been practicing in emergency care settings for at least 30 years. Since that point, some ACNP programs have added the necessary components to their curricula so that graduates could function similar to ENPs caring for patients across the life span. Studies found that while some NPs work in fast track areas, other NPs worked in the main ED, providing care to acute and critically ill patients with a primary focus on stabilizing acute and critical care conditions. These early ENPs were successful in establishing practices in multiple EDs, creating the way for other NPs. The Emergency Nurses Association Scope of Practice for NPs in ED settings identifies that knowledge in advanced physical assessment, ability to triage and prioritize, emergency preparedness, stabilization and resuscitation, crisis intervention, and consistency across the continuum of care are essential aspects for practice.
The nurse practitioner practice has evolved in the United States from an original focus on pediatric care to a broad array of specialty areas of practice, including family nursing, adult nursing, and, more recently, acute care practice. The ACNP provides advanced nursing care to patients with complex acute, critical, and chronic health conditions experiencing episodic illness, exacerbation of chronic illness, or terminal illness. Research on ACNP roles has identified that
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