Advanced practice registered nurses: Addressing emerging needs in emergency care

Abstract

An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is a registered nurse with advanced specialized clinical knowledge and skills to provide healthcare to diverse populations. The role of the APRN is emerging worldwide to improve access to, quality, and cost-effective healthcare services. APRNs with expanded capabilities are now working in a variety of healthcare settings including emergency centres. This paper will provide a brief overview of APRN roles in the United States followed by a discussion of how APRNs can meet the healthcare needs of patients seeking emergency care. An example from a paediatric specialty practice will demonstrate how the APRN role can be implemented in the emergency centre. Finally, implications for initiating APRNs in emergency care across Africa will be addressed.

Keywords

• Advanced practice registered nurses
• Emergency nursing
• Nursing
• Africa