Roles of nurses in trauma nursing practice as perceived by Certified Nurses in Emergency Nursing

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to determine the roles of nurses in trauma nursing practice as perceived by Certified Nurses in Emergency Nursing.

Methods: A focus group interview was conducted with five Certified Nurses in Emergency Nursing who work in emergency and critical care centers and provide emergency nursing for more than 10 trauma cases a year. The interview data were qualitatively and descriptively analyzed.

Results: The analysis yielded the following six categories: [Intervention aiming to save the lives and ensure well-being of patients in the initial medical care], [Planning and providing rehabilitation care aiming to prevent secondary complications], [With a long-term perspective from the acute phase utilizing social resources available for the acceptance of disabilities and also for the social rehabilitation of patients], [Assessing the abilities of the family of patients to cope with sudden events and assisting in proxy decision making during medical treatment], [Interacting with the family to encourage patients to accept disabilities in a timely manner], and [Coordination among medical professionals in consideration of the intentions of the patients and their families to ensure the seamless progress of the medical treatment].

Conclusions: The role of nurses in trauma nursing practice has two characteristics, “direct care” and “coordination”. These findings suggest that emergency nurses are required to perform coordination activities aiming to ensure social rehabilitation as well as performing the practical roles special to trauma nursing.