Emergency nursing

Emergency Nursing is a nursing specialty in which nurses care for patients in the emergency or critical phase of their illness or injury.

While this is common to many nursing specialties, the key difference is that an emergency nurse is skilled at dealing with people in the phase when a diagnosis has not yet been made and the cause of the problem is not known. Emergency nurses also deal with non-emergent populations that present with non-life threatening issues as well.

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN, USA)

A licensed, Registered Nurse, who has demonstrated expertise in emergency nursing by passing a computer-administered examination given by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). The BCEN is a division of the Emergency Nurses' Association (ENA). The certification is valid for four years, and can be renewed either by passing another examination or by completing 100 continuing education units (CEUs) in the specialty. There is also an online "open book exam" renewal option.

Currently there are approximately 17,500 CENs.^{[citation needed]}

Currently the CEN exam has 175 questions of which 150 are used for testing purposes (25 are sample questions). The passing score is 75% and the candidate has 3 hours to take the exam. The test is administered in testing centers nationwide.

Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)

In the UK

A specialist nurse who will independently assess, diagnose, investigate, and treat a wide range of common accidents and injuries working autonomously without reference to medical staff. They primarily treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, skin problems and minor illness. They are trained in advanced nursing skills. Under the National Health Service grading system, ENPs are typically graded 'F' or Band 7.

In the US

An advanced practice nurse who assesses, diagnoses, and treats a variety of common illnesses, injuries and disease processes in emergency care settings. ENPs are trained in advanced nursing and medical skills such as x-ray interpretation, ophthalmic slit lamp examination, suturing, local and regional anesthesia, abscess incision and drainage, advanced airway techniques, fracture reduction, and casting and splinting.

Emergency Care Practitioner (UK)

A specialist nurse or specialist paramedic who works in the pre-hospital setting dealing with a wide range of medical or emergency problems. Their primary function is to assess, diagnose and treat a patient in the home in an emergency setting.

This is a new profession that has developed as a result of political changes in the United Kingdom which has resulted in doctors (general practitioners) opting out of "out of hours" medical care in many areas. This role is now being fulfilled by ECP's in many areas.

Additional Emergency Nursing Training and Qualifications

• ATNC - Advanced Trauma Nursing Course
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support
• ENPC - Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course
• MICN - Mobile Intensive Care Nurse
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
• PHEC - Pre-Hospital Emergency Care
• TNCC - Trauma Nursing Core Course

References/Links

• Emergency Nurses Association - Scope of Emergency Nursing Practice
• RCS Edinburgh - Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care
• Emergency Nurse
• impactednurse.com - An Emergency Nursing Blolg
• Emergency Nurses Association
• Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing