What is the primary role of an Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)?

The primary role of an Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) is to provide advanced care in emergency settings. ENPs are highly trained to assess, diagnose, and manage a variety of acute health issues that present in emergency departments. They function independently or collaboratively within a healthcare team to deliver critical care, perform procedures within their scope of practice, interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate treatment plans.

In emergency settings, the ENP must have the skills and knowledge to quickly evaluate patients and determine the most appropriate course of action under pressure. This role is distinct from that of providing routine check-ups and primary care, assisting with surgical procedures, or conducting patient education on chronic diseases, which fall outside the immediate focus and environment of emergency care. The emphasis on acute care enables ENPs to play a vital role in stabilizing patients and improving outcomes in emergencies.