ABSTRACT
Nurse practitioners (NPs) have been practicing for more than 30 years in the emergency care setting (ECS), but little is known about the procedures, training, independence, and confidence level of NPs performing these procedures. This study was conducted to describe the procedures and education being used by NPs in the ECS and the level of independence and confidence NPs report about performing these procedures. The research, based on the Strong Model of Advanced Practice, was a cross-sectional, descriptive design that used survey methodology. The Activities and Procedures Instrument was used to assess procedures, independence, education, and confidence. A list of NPs (n = 1,799) currently licensed and practicing in the ECS in the United States was obtained from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) member database. These NPs were contacted electronically yielding a 23.5% response rate for study sample (n = 423). Participants were NPs who primarily practice in both the main emergency department and fast track. Results of the survey demonstrated NPs performing 71 procedures in the ECS and the majority do so independently and with confidence. Results also suggest that the frequency in performing the procedures led to higher confidence and independence levels. Implications for curriculum development, standards of practice guidelines, and funding for interdisciplinary residency programs that include NPs are addressed. Replication of this study is recommended for NPs and other providers including physicians in the ECS and in the hospital, office, and clinic settings.