Emergency nursing

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Emergency nursing is a nursing specialty concerned with the care of patients who are experiencing emergencies or who are critically ill or injured.

Emergency nurses frequently contact patients in the emergency department before the patients see physicians. In this situation, the nurse must be skilled at rapid, accurate physical examination, early recognition of life-threatening illness or injury, the use of advanced monitoring and treatment equipment, and in some cases, the ordering of testing and medication according to "advance treatment guidelines" or "standing orders" set out by the hospital's emergency physician staff. Emergency nurses most frequently are employed in hospital emergency departments, though they may also work in free-standing emergency centers or urgent care clinics. Behavioral health patients have become an increasing concern for emergency nurses.

Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)

The Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) designation is applied to a 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 certification exam first became available July 1980,[1] and was accredited by ABSNC in February 2002, and reaccredited in 2007 and 2012.[2] The certification is valid for four years, and can be renewed either by passing another examination, by completing 100 continuing education units (CEUs) in the specialty, or by completing an online 150 question "open book exam."

As of 2015, the BCEN has designated over 30,500 active CENs in the United States and Canada.[3] The CEN exam has 175 questions; 150 are used for testing purposes (25 are sample questions). The passing score is 70% and the candidate has three hours to take the exam.[4] The test is administered internationally in Pearson Vue testing centers.[5]

Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN)

The Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) designation is applied to a registered nurse who has demonstrated expertise in pediatric emergency nursing by passing a computer-administered examination given jointly by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). The certification exam first became available January 21, 2009,[6] and was accredited by ABSNC in May 2015.[7] The certification is valid for four years, and can be renewed either by passing another examination, by completing 100 contact hours (continuing education) in the specialty, or by completing 1,000 clinical practice hours and 40 contact hours in the specialty.[8] The CPEN exam has 175 questions; 25 are unscored sample questions.[9]

As of 2015, the BCEN and the PNCB have designated over 3,900 active CPENs.[10] The CPEN exam has 175 questions; 150 are used for testing purposes (25 are sample questions). The passing score is 87%[11] and the candidate has three hours to take the exam.[12] The test is administered in AMP testing centers internationally.[13]

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 Band 6 or 7.

Additionally, some specialized nurses perform as [emergency care practitioner]s. They generally work 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.

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.

Additional emergency nursing training and qualifications

References

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External links

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