Nurse Practitioner specializing in Trauma/Emergency?

[alkatize]

Hello,

I'm a second year RN student and found a special interest in traumatic conditions. I would really like to work in critical care, so the ED is definitely an option for me. As a student, I would really like to explore my options.

In Canada (specifically Toronto, Ontario), are there NP's that specialize in Trauma or Emergency Care? From what I heard, the NP role isn't very well established here in Canada when compared to the U.S., and it is very hard to find a position in a metropolis. If anyone would care to provide some information about this topic, it will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[vintage_RN, BSN, RN]

I work on Surgical Trauma and we have an NP who works with some of the patients here. I'm pretty new though and haven't seen much of her or her role...but I do know there is one.

[flyingchange]

In my ED, there are a few NPs, but their role is to manage chronic disease patients. So there is one who sets up follow-up care for heart disease patients, and another who prescribes IV antibiotics for the IV clinic and decides when they are safe to switch to oral abx.

This should not be taken as a slight against NPs, because I think they are important and necessary, but managing acute trauma is not really within their scope (except maybe helping to order stuff). IIRC, NP scopes-of-practice cover routine presentations and uncomplicated patients. Unless of course you work in Nunavut, then you are "it" until the MD can consult.

That's not to say you can't be heavily involved in trauma as a nurse. Flight nurses get HUGE training and are incredibly skilled. I knew a CNE who was a flight nurse, she had tips and tricks for everything.

[alkatize]

Thank you very much for your responses.

Even in school, it seems as though they are presenting Nurse Practitioners as MD's that care for those with chronic conditions, and you have helped me confirm it. It still is definitely an option for me, as I still have a long way to go. Nursing has become a passion, and finding a specialty is definitely something I will be looking into.

[Novo]

In AB we have NPs who work in urgent care centers. Trauma is more MD scope.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

NPs who provide trauma care typically live in the North, and they're IT because those communities don't have a primary physician. If you can handle autonomy and living in remote communities, go for it. They need people who want those roles. Cultural competence and awareness would also factor in to your role.

[alkatize]

Novo and Joanna, thank you for your responses.

Providing care in the northern parts of Canada has been on my mind for a while, but I'm sure that I would like some experience before heading up there.

Is anyone able to also provide information about APN's that play a role in the Trauma/Emergency setting? I have met APN's that specialize in diabetes and pain, but have yet to meet or find much information about APN's that specialize in Trauma/Emergency.

Thanks!

[canadianhungarian]

I don't know if this helps but we have NP's In Ontario that do work in the ER. We have one on most of our medical, surgical, and long stay unit. But we also have 2 that specifically utilize with our ER because they also work close with the medical docs and cardiologists.

I see them everyday and they are a huge help! They can go assess the patients before the docs and get orders started within their scope. Helps us out alot!