Supporting Emergency Care Delivery Through Updated Emergency Nurse Practitioner Competencies

Abstract

As multidisciplinary emergency care becomes increasingly complex, all team members must be aware of their respective roles and responsibilities. In the emergency department, nurse practitioners are integral members of the team. They possess a wide range of clinical and leadership competencies that allow them to perform specific and differentiated tasks within the emergency department. A well-defined competency not only contributes to the promotion of a positive work culture but also clarifies performance expectations, identifies skill gaps, and supports team development. Furthermore, it allows the nurse practitioner to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining patient safety. The competencies of emergency nurse practitioners have evolved over the past 2 decades. The authors discuss the importance of establishing clear expectations for emergency nurse practitioner practice in this article and the alignment of competencies with organizational culture and objectives.