Unique Educational Needs of Emergency Nurse Practitioners.

The purpose of this study is to identify the unique educational needs of emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs). A survey from 167 nurse practitioners (NPs) practicing in the emergency department (ED) settings was analyzed. A variety of certified NPs practice in EDs: family NPs (30%), adult NPs (18%), acute care NPs (40%), and some with 2 or more certifications (12%). NPs come with a variety of basic educational preparations. The top educational needs specific to ENP preparation identified were managing critically ill patients, pharmacology, interpretation of laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, radiographs, and computed tomographic scans, suturing superficial lacerations, and mentoring by MDs and NPs. The unique and complex ED environment requires that NPs practicing in the ED receive a unique set of standardized education and skills to meet the demands of current practice. A standardized educational curriculum that includes the findings from this and other studies, along with additional clinical and a national certification examination, is discussed.