Throughout the last two decades, emergency nurses have navigated through the pages of history transforming emergency practice. The ever-evolving nature of emergencies demands continuous adaptation and preparedness for best practice to be delivered. Over the decades, patient presentations and ways of working have dramatically changed. Hence, we will examine the shifting landscape of patient acuity, the emergence of new conditions, and the challenges posed by the increasing complexity of patient needs. One of the most impactful aspects of modern emergency nursing is the rapid advancement of technology and extended scopes of practice. Importantly, we will examine new models of care and state-of-the-art imaging modalities and point-of-care diagnostic technology which is changing how we assess, diagnose, and treat patients.
We will delve into the evolution of the emergency nursing workforce, the challenges associated with staffing and retention, and the efforts made to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within our profession. We will explore the transformative power of technology and practice changes, and touch upon the interventions and diagnostics that have significantly improved patient outcomes. We will explore advancements in emergency care and the utilization of evidence-based protocols. Moreover, we will reflect on the evolving role of emergency nurses and in particular how their leadership can support the development of carbon neutral settings for a more sustainable health care future.