Emergency nurses perform physical exams, perform procedures such as placing IV catheters, drawing blood, administer medications and evaluate the outcome in the patient, interpret laboratory results, work with physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, patient care technicians, pre-hospital EMS providers and other members of the team.
Emergency nurses respond in times of crisis and work as part of the strategic team supporting disaster events.
Emergency nurses work within the community to provide health education, screening, injury prevention education, first aid training and education.
Emergency nurses work with the greater community to develop and support violence prevention programs, substance abuse treatment and prevention programs and ensure safety in the communities they support.
Emergency nursing practice is built upon a foundation of compassion and respect for human dignity and the desire to provide individualized care to all patients and families.
Emergency nurses demonstrate the following core values and ethics (adapted from the Emergency Nurses Association):
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The emergency nurse maintains competence within, and accountability for, emergency nursing practice.
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The emergency nurse exercises sound judgment in responsibility, delegating, and seeking consultation.
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The emergency nurse respects the individual's right to privacy and confidentiality.
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The emergency nurse works to improve public health and secure access to health care for all.
Emergency nurses can demonstrate their excellence in care by certification in emergency nursing. These nurses demonstrate:
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A mastery of a rigorous body of emergency nursing knowledge across the emergency care continuum.
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Continues growth in knowledge and critical thinking skills pertaining to nursing, associated specialties, and its subspecialties.