Emergency Nurses’ Competency in the Emergency Department Context: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background The availability of clear emergency nurses’ competencies is critical for safe and effective emergency health care services. The study regarding emergency nurses’ competencies remained virtually limited. Purpose This study aimed to explore the emergency nurses’ competencies in the clinical emergency department (ED) context as needed by society. Methods This qualitative study involved focus group discussions in six groups of 54 participants from three EDs. The data were analysed using grounded theory approach including the constant comparative, interpretations, and coding procedures; initial coding, focused coding and categories. Results This study revealed 8 core competencies of emergency nurses: Shifting the nursing practice, Caring for acute critical patients, Communicating and coordinating, Covering disaster nursing roles, Reflecting on the ethical and legal standards, Researching competency, Teaching competencies and Leadership competencies. The interconnection of the 8 core competencies has resulted in 2 concepts of extending the ED nursing practice and demanding the advanced ED nursing role. Conclusion The finding reflected the community needs of nurses who work in ED settings and the need for competency development of emergency nurses.

Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act: Impact on Health Care, Nursing, Quality, and Safety

“…Three additional domains are identified by these authors for advanced ED nursing roles: (f) research competencies; (g) teaching competencies; and (h) leadership competencies. 22 Constant monitoring of EMTALA laws requires ongoing assessment of the impact on health care, nursing, and continuing education needs to improve health care quality and safety in the ED.…”

“…Careful attention to how nursing staff respond during such emergencies requires more research if we are to actualize in ways that meet new regulations and produce improved patient outcomes. Trisyani and colleagues'22 research expands the competency standard domains outlined by the Emergency Nurses Association—clinical expertise, communication, teamwork, resources and environment, and legality—to include 5 more specific domains to address extending the ED nursing practice: ( a ) shifting the nursing practice; ( b ) caring for acute critical patients; ( c ) communicating and coordinating; ( d ) covering disaster nursing roles; and ( e ) reflecting on the ethical and legal standards. Three additional domains are identified by these authors for advanced ED nursing roles: ( f ) research competencies; ( g ) teaching competencies; and ( h ) leadership competencies 22.…”

“…Trisyani and colleagues'22 research expands the competency standard domains outlined by the Emergency Nurses Association—clinical expertise, communication, teamwork, resources and environment, and legality—to include 5 more specific domains to address extending the ED nursing practice: ( a ) shifting the nursing practice; ( b ) caring for acute critical patients; ( c ) communicating and coordinating; ( d ) covering disaster nursing roles; and ( e ) reflecting on the ethical and legal standards. Three additional domains are identified by these authors for advanced ED nursing roles: ( f ) research competencies; ( g ) teaching competencies; and ( h ) leadership competencies 22. Constant monitoring of EMTALA laws requires ongoing assessment of the impact on health care, nursing, and continuing education needs to improve health care quality and safety in the ED.…”