Emergency Health Care: Introduction
Emergency nursing is a dynamic and multifaceted specialty within the nursing profession, requiring practitioners to adapt quickly to a wide range of patient needs, from acute life-threatening conditions to urgent care for minor illnesses. The unique challenges faced by emergency nurses necessitate a robust body of research to inform practice and improve patient outcomes. This essay explores various aspects of emergency nursing, including its importance in health care, the establishment of professional organizations like the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), the growth of emergency nursing research, and the ongoing initiatives to support and enhance the specialty.
Emergency Health Care
Emergency health care is characterized by its immediacy and the critical nature of the services provided. Emergency patients can range from newborns to the elderly, and the conditions treated can vary significantly—from common illnesses like influenza to life-threatening injuries such as trauma from accidents. The diverse nature of emergency cases necessitates a wide array of skills and knowledge from nursing professionals.
As health care systems evolve, the demand for emergency services has increased substantially. In 2003, there were approximately 110.2 million visits to hospital emergency departments in the United States, reflecting a 23% increase in usage over the past decade (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2002). This growth poses both opportunities and challenges for emergency nursing, particularly as the number of emergency departments has declined by about 15% during the same period (National Center for Health Statistics, 2004).
Emergency As A Specialty
Emergency nursing has become recognized as a distinct specialty within the nursing profession. While the exact number of registered nurses (RNs) specializing in emergency care is not precisely known, estimates suggest around 80,000 RNs identify emergency nursing as their primary specialty. This recognition underscores the unique skills and knowledge required to provide high-quality care in urgent situations.
The establishment of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has played a significant role in formalizing this specialty. Founded in 1970, the ENA serves to promote the interests and education of emergency nurses while providing a platform for networking, professional development, and research initiatives. As emergency nursing continues to evolve, the ENA remains at the forefront, advocating for improved standards and practices.
Emergency Nursing Association
The Emergency Nurses Association has been instrumental in advancing emergency nursing practice and research. In 1991, the ENA Foundation was established to provide funding for peer-reviewed research in emergency nursing. This initiative aimed to create a robust research culture within the specialty, allowing for the development of evidence-based practices.
In addition to funding, the ENA has employed dedicated research staff to guide research efforts and facilitate collaboration among emergency nurses. This focus on research has led to the development of numerous multisite studies that utilize practicing emergency nurses as data collectors. The involvement of front-line nurses in research not only enhances the relevance of findings but also fosters a culture of inquiry within the profession.
Emergency Nursing Research
The field of emergency nursing research has witnessed significant growth over the past few decades. As noted by Bayley et al. (2004), the number of published emergency nursing research articles increased dramatically from 49 studies between 1982 and 1991 to 262 studies published between 1992 and 2002, indicating a fivefold increase. Despite this growth, the research remains somewhat scattered across various topics, highlighting the need for a more focused approach to build a comprehensive knowledge base.
Research topics within emergency nursing encompass a wide range of issues, including triage protocols, pain management, injury prevention, and family presence during resuscitation. The latter has garnered considerable attention, as evidence suggests that allowing family members to be present during critical moments can enhance emotional support for both patients and their families.
Research Initiative
To further focus research efforts, the ENA has established specific research initiatives that align with the needs of emergency nursing. These initiatives prioritize research on:
- Mechanisms to assure effective, efficient, and quality emergency nursing care delivery.
- Effective and efficient outcomes of emergency nursing services and procedures.
- Factors affecting emergency nursing practice.
- The influence of health care technologies, facilities, and equipment on emergency nursing practice.
- Factors affecting health care costs, productivity, and market forces related to emergency services.
- Ways to enhance health promotion and injury prevention.
- Methods for handling complex ethical issues related to emergency care.
- Mechanisms to ensure quality and cost-effective educational programs for emergency nurses.
These initiatives provide a strategic direction for emergency nursing research and aim to enhance the specialty’s contribution to health care.
Benefits of Nursing Emergency Research
The emphasis on targeted research initiatives has significant benefits for the field of emergency nursing. By fostering a culture of research, the ENA and its affiliates can build a robust body of evidence that informs practice and policy. Research findings can lead to improved protocols, enhanced patient care strategies, and ultimately better health outcomes for patients in emergency settings.
One notable example of successful research funding is the investigation into family presence during resuscitation. This research not only impacted emergency nursing but also extended to other areas of nursing practice, demonstrating the cross-disciplinary relevance of emergency nursing research. The insights gained from these studies can guide nursing practice and improve the emotional well-being of patients and families during critical health events.
Additionally, the ENA encourages the presentation of research findings at annual meetings, showcasing diverse topics such as blood drawing techniques, emergency nurse burnout, and pediatric issues. This dissemination of knowledge is vital for keeping the emergency nursing community informed and engaged in evidence-based practice.
Emergency Nursing Association Funds and Supporting
The ENA Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting emergency nursing research. In 2002, researchers conducted a Delphi study to identify and prioritize research questions of greatest value to emergency nurses and consumers of emergency services. The study involved highly experienced participants, most of whom held advanced degrees in emergency nursing.
The results revealed critical areas for research focus, including:
- Staffing and patient flow issues in emergency departments.
- Educational needs of emergency nurses.
- Pain management strategies and their significance for patients.
These findings align with the ENA’s mission to ensure quality emergency care is delivered compassionately and effectively. The emphasis on safety and quality of care is paramount, and the research derived from this study will guide future initiatives in emergency nursing.
The ENA Foundation’s commitment to supporting research reflects its dedication to improving the practice of emergency nursing and ensuring that nurses are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to provide high-quality care.
Conclusion
Nursing and emergency specialty care are integral to the health care system, addressing the diverse and urgent needs of patients across various settings. As the field of emergency nursing continues to evolve, research plays a critical role in shaping practice, informing policy, and enhancing patient outcomes. The Emergency Nurses Association’s commitment to fostering a research culture and funding important initiatives highlights the value placed on evidence-based practice.
By focusing on the unique challenges of emergency nursing and promoting collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, the ENA and its members are well-positioned to influence the future of emergency care. Through ongoing research efforts, emergency nursing will continue to advance, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care in critical situations.