Minimum practice standards for Australian graduate emergency nursing programs: An exploratory, sequential mixed-methods study.

Abstract

Background A skilled emergency nursing workforce is needed to provide high quality and safe healthcare to patients in the emergency care environment. Graduate emergency nursing education programs, often referred to as postgraduate programs, are essential in establishing this workforce. There are no minimum practice standards for graduate emergency nursing programs in Australia, and thus there is variation in graduate attributes and clinical expectations of nurses who complete these programs. Aim The aim of this study was to develop minimum practice standards for graduate emergency nursing programs in Australia. Methods An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design comprising of three interconnected studies was used to answer the research aim. Results Six sets of international emergency nursing practice and competency standards were identified in Study One. Similarities and differences were identified across nine domains of analysis: (i) clinical expertise; (ii) communication; (iii) environment and resources; (iv) leadership; (v) legal; (vi) professional development; (vii) professional ethics; (viii) research and quality; (ix) teamwork. It was identified in Study Two that prior experience was not consistently required before undertaking graduate studies in emergency nursing, and employment requirements during course completion were also variable. Geographical location influenced accessibility to programs. The findings from Study Three, and sequential integration of Study One and Study Two, generated the evidence to establish minimum practice standards for Australian graduate emergency nursing programs across seven graduate attribute domains: (i) communication; (ii) safe and quality patient care; (iii) research and quality improvement; (iv) ethics and legal; (v) teamwork and leadership; (vi) professional development; and (vii) clinical practice expertise. Within the domain of clinical expertise, 70 clinical care capabilities have been determined. Conclusion This original research has generated evidence-based minimum practice standards for Australian graduate emergency nursing programs. Consistent and transparent expectations inform clinical practice, which ultimately leads to safer delivery of informed patient care, and improves workforce planning.