During the first month of the course, nursing work in an emergency department (ED) was discussed from the perspective of current issues that influence clinical practices and patient outcomes. The learning material included crucial theoretical aspects, studying which assisted me in developing an understanding of fundamental principles of interaction and task completion for the ED practitioner. The module dedicated to resuscitation addressed the core responsibilities of a nurse and communication approaches, such as pain and disaster management. I am experienced in working in emergency conditions; however, after completing the educational activities, I improved my ability to establish trusting relations with patients and help them remain calm. Moreover, discussing the core standards of nursing in emergency settings with fellow students and professors and exchanging the experience revealed various approaches to problem-solving. I became more confident in my decisions, yet I understood that I still need to improve my communication skills, such as sharing feedback and active listening, to develop a better connection with my colleagues at ED.
The course unit addressed another essential regard of the profession – evidence-based emergency nursing, providing theoretical and practical material about assessing and managing common ED cases. The endocrine emergency lecture also included a comprehensive explanation of the causes of such presentations as thyroid storm, diabetic ketoacidosis, acute adrenal crisis, and practical, evidence-based tactics for patient management. I worked in a hospital with elderly clients having a high prevalence of diabetes and thyroid-related emergencies; thus, I had multiple questions about improving the ED nurse’s efficiency in such situations. Furthermore, the course activities, such as practicing Genitourinary, Gastro, Hematology, ENT, and eye emergencies, helped my clinical progress by preparing me for challenging cases where fast and precise actions can save a client’s life.
The evidence-based emergency nursing curriculum also covered mental health and toxicological presentations, where the practitioner’s role in communication and examination is vital. I have never participated in poisoning or overdose-related cases, yet lectures, practical recommendations, and discussions with experienced classmates helped me develop a step-by-step algorithm of actions to help patients effectively. The wound and burns management part of the course activities significantly improved my understanding of what is expected from an ED nurse and what basic actions should be performed to assist physicians. The triage practice and quizzes helped develop warning signs evaluation methodology, and I plan to integrate them into my work through clinical exposure. I have an unproductive habit of clarifying most of my activities with colleagues, and with the knowledge I obtained during the semester, I will make correct decisions without advice or validation.
The professional practice of emergency nursing was a closing section of the course, and it discussed the essential legal and ethical considerations that influence ED nurses’ activities and decisions. My knowledge about violence, assaults, and child protection legislation was limited to the fundamental aspects of when to report to the police, and I broadened my awareness of regulations throughout the course. Unit’s materials helped improve my practice by providing me with recourses like policies, state laws, and social organizations’ regalements. I witnessed a presentation of a woman with wounds resulting from an act of domestic violence a year ago, and now I understand that I could give her more support and legal assistance. Furthermore, I lack skills in comprehending and including ethics in my decision-making, and I wish to improve it through the self-educational reading of additional materials in the course.