NONPF 38th Annual Conference
TOP-EDNP Training and Orientation Program for Emergency Department Nurse Practitioners
Issue: The demand for health care providers in emergency departments (ED) is growing as the nation faces rising ED patient volumes. The vast majority of ED patients present with low acuity problems - well within the scope of practice of the primary care nurse practitioner (NP). However, NPs must be prepared to recognize and initiate treatment of high acuity patients. Primary care NPs require additional knowledge and skills to function effectively and efficiently as a provider of emergency care.
Description The Training and Orientation Program for Emergency Department Nurse Practitioners (TOP-EDNP) is an intensive course designed to prepare primary care NPs for ED practice. The content was developed using the 2008 Emergency Nurses Association Competencies for Nurse Practitioners in Emergency Care. Teaching and learning activities were developed using David Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and include: on-line Blackboard self-study, interactive tutorials, didactic content and hands-on simulation case scenarios that provide opportunity for assessment of clinical skill/decision making, documentation, communication and professionalism. Participation in a clinical practicum with the guidance of a preceptor further develops learned ED skills. Clinical preceptors are provided with guidelines to structure clinical teaching as well as evaluation tools to measure competencies. Important to this program is an appointed mentor to assess progress, identify ongoing learning needs and initiate a strategy for improvement.
Lessons learned/future implications: With additional training, primary care NPs can provide safe, effective, quality care to emergency department patients. NPs do not just fill the void of needed ED providers but bring a value added component to the specialty of emergency medicine by offering holistic care that considers and supports the uniqueness of each patient situation in the context of family/community and culture. With the development of intensive training programs other specialty areas can incorporate NP care into their practice.