Emergency nursing is the delivery of specialized care to a variety of ill or injured patients.

Such patients
may be unstable,
have complex needs, and require intensive and vigilant nursing care. Others may have minor problems.
No matter the
reason for coming to the emergency department (ED), all
patients feel that their problems are emergencies.
Common illnesses and injuries seen in patients in EDs
include:
• orthopedic injuries, including fractures, strains, and sprains
• traumatic injuries from such events as car collisions and falls
• cardiovascular disorders, such as heart failure and acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina and
myocardial infarction [MI])
• respiratory disorders, such as acute respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, and asthma
• gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatic disorders, such as acute pancreatitis, GI bleeding, acute liver failure,
acute cholecystitis, and
bowel obstructions
• renal disorders, such as acute and chronic renal failure,
kidney stones, and urinary tract infections
• shock due to hypovolemia, sepsis, cardiac dysfunction,
acute spinal cord injury, and anaphylaxis
• metabolic disorders, such as diabetic ketoacidosis
• pediatric ailments, such as gastroenteritis, bronchiolitis, febrile
seizures, and appendicitis
• drug overdoses
• integumentary issues, including lacerations and abrasions
• gynecologic and obstetric problems
• psychiatric emergencies
• injuries resulting from violence and abuse, including knife
and gun injuries.
An emergency nurse is responsible for making sure that all patients and members of their families
receive close attention and the best care possible. What do you do? As an emergency nurse, you may fill
many roles in the emergency setting, such as staff nurse, nurse educator, nurse manager, clinical nurse
specialist, nurse practitioner, flight nurse, sexual assault nurse examiner, trauma care specialist, or nurse
researcher. (See Role call. ) Where do you work? As an emergency nurse, you may work in various
settings, including: • EDs • flight programs • minor care departments • prehospital care environments •
rural clinics. What makes you special? A nurse who specializes in emergencies accepts a wide range of
responsibilities, including: • being an advocate • using sound clinical judgment • demonstrating caring
practices • collaborating with a multidisciplinary team • demonstrating an understanding of cultural
diversity • providing patient and family teaching.