Psychiatric Emergencies and the Potential Role of Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

Emergency departments (EDs) are experiencing a worsening crisis of overcrowding, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Persons experiencing psychiatric emergencies must be evaluated medically and screened for risks of harm to self or others before they can be cleared for transfer to inpatient units or discharged. Severe shortages of inpatient psychiatric beds can lead to hours or even days of costly boarding in the ED. The purpose of this article is to examine the potential role of psychiatric–mental health nurse practitioners in psychiatric ED care, from initial intake and medical clearance, screening for suicide risk, de-escalation, stabilization, and discharge. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59 (3), 7–12.]