NP scope of practice in ER (FNP, ACNP, ER subspecialty)

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Specializes in Emergency, critical care, cardiovascular.

Hello everyone,

I am in nursing school and work as an ER tech. I have also posted this in a nursing forum, just wanted to get a different view. I am just curious to know a little bit about the scope of practice of NPs in the ER. I know some of the courses in NP school, depending on the program, can teach some pretty invasive procedures (intubation, central line, chest tubes). If they learn these procedures, why do they/are they not allowed to perform them in ED's? It just kind of seems like a waste of learning them if those cases just get handed over to the MD. I know flight nurses can perform these procedures, even without having a master's degree (unless they are flying with a resident, for the most part). I don't know, the question just kind of stumped me.

Thanks to all who answer!

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Specializes in ICU.

I think a lot of it depends on the hospital/location. An ACNP is trained to do many inpatient-type settings. So they aren't just trained to work in an ER. I think if the hospital is more rural and does not have residents, then the NP would have more opportunities for doing those procedures (assuming the hospital allows such). Or if the hospital has had NPs in their ER for a long time and it's in a state that allows for full practice- then maybe they'd get to! Basically my point is that every location is different in what they allow their NPs to do. Hope this helps...but I'm looking forward to reading other answers you may receive.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved t student NP forum.

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Specializes in Psych.

The NPs in the ERs I work in do all the procedures you list. It's based on comfort level of the NP and how busy the doc is. If the doc is in the ICU intubating and we need a CVP placed in the ED, as long as the NP is comfortable with doing it, that's what happens. This is in southern Nevada. I've seen more restrictions in other states. These are all FNP trained NPs too, not ACNP.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Off topic but, HikingNinja, I just had to say I love your signature about the Jerk Whisperer. :up:

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Specializes in Psych.
Off topic but, HikingNinja, I just had to say I love your signature about the Jerk Whisperer. :up:

Thanks :) found it randomly online and was not able to find out who said it orginally. I'd love to give whoever it is the credit.

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

whats a resident? JK :-) However many, if not most, hospitals are not teaching hospitals. There are no such things at these facilities & midlevel practitioners do everything that MDs/DOs do.

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