NP in the ER

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 3, 2006

I've been one in one of the hospitals where I'm associated for years. Take ED call weekly.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

The 2 hospitals where I've worked in the ER, first as a tech then as an RN, both used NPs and PAs for urgent care/fast track.

paccookie · Jul 3, 2006

I'm in GA too. We use PA's, but I've never seen an NP in the ER. I think we have a shortage of NP's in my area though. The only ones I've ever seen work in the pediatric offices. Where in GA are you? I'm in Warner Robins, about 2 hours south of Atlanta.

Christina

Pedi-ER-RN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

We use FNP'S in our ER. Their primary role is to see OB/GYN patients, they see peds pts when they don't have many pts of their own. Any Peds ER's using Peds NP'S?? That is my goal (one day far, far away!!).

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

We have FNP's in our fast track. Great folks, do a wonderful job and help ease the workload. AND since they are nurses, they actually KNOW what nurses do!

Pedi-ER-RN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

AND since they are nurses, they actually KNOW what nurses do!

Yep, a couple of ours will draw labs/start IV'S if we are busy with another patient.

NewYorkCityRN · Jul 3, 2006

We have a few PA's and one NP in our ER. The PA's work soley in the Fast Track.

npingeorgia · Jul 4, 2006

I am a NP in Georgia, Augusta. Just recently moved here from South Ga where I practiced as NP and was able to see all sorts of patients and loved it. The ER that I'm in now has just started using NP's and I feel lucky to be here but we are going thru some real growing pains. I need some advice on how you all are handling medical screening exams, are you charging the patient?? Also, does your departments have protocols in place and how much autonomy do the NP's have?? Is there something in place if the NP has a question about something, like a "go to doc"??

Also, we have found ourselves in a position in which some of the docs are on board and see us as an advantage and not so good reception with the others. The physicians are paid by fee for service and I think feel like we are taking some of their patients. I feel like my skill is being under utilized. We have found ourselves bringing patients back and starting a work up on a patient,but having to do the entire nursing forms in addition to our write up. Needing some advice. I feel like this is a work in progress but would like to see things happen a little faster.

Thanks for any input.

nuangel1, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2006

we have np's and pa 's in our fast track area.