The Transitional Emergency Nurse Practitioner role: Implementation study and preliminary evaluation

SummaryBackgroundAn implementation study was undertaken to develop and employ Transitional Emergency Nurse Practitioners (TENPs) to address increased service demands. The TENP role was to be a new advanced practice role, which was based on a Nurse Practitioner (NP) framework. The implementation study provided a roadmap for the introduction of the new nursing role. The implementation study aimed to i) develop an integrated and supported Transitional Emergency Nurse Practitioner role; ii) provide a framework for practice and knowledge development; and, iii) undertake a six month preliminary evaluation of TENP work performance.MethodsThe study describes the communication strategy, the consultative process for role definition, education, ongoing support structures and assessment and feedback mechanisms embedded in the implementation process. In addition, a six month mixed method preliminary evaluation was undertaken as part of the implementation plan. The preliminary evaluation included review of TENP managed patient groups; peer audit of TENP documentation; a senior emergency physician survey of TENP work performance; and, review of TENP investigations and referrals.ResultsTENPs managed the care of, or were involved with, 2730 patients (10%) of which 68% (n = 1987) were in the ‘See and Treat’ group and 32% (n = 721) were in the ‘Collaborative’ (742) and ‘Consultative’ (22) groups. TENPs managed an average of 20 patients per 15 hour work day. Work performance evaluation identified the role was safe and efficient and that staff supported the new role.ConclusionsThe implementation study provided an effective framework for the introduction of a transitional nursing role based on a NP framework. The advanced role had made a significant contribution towards meeting local service needs.