Trauma Nursing: Advanced Practice
Trauma Nursing 1
Trauma Nursing: Advanced Practice
Ted E. Dunn
Nursing 1070: Introduction to Nursing Science
Dr. Janet L. Grady
Trauma Nursing 2
Statement of Purpose The role of trauma nurse practitioner (TNP) has been formed only in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to use nursing literature that includes research in this and other fields to describe that role and how it is evolving. Trauma represents a sudden event altering the course of the lives of those affected allowing little time for usual coping mechanisms to work their course. The nature of trauma makes it singularly important in demanding the best character traits and skills of nurses and those directly affected by the trauma incident. The changes in health care brought on by changes in technology, availability of physician residents in the hospital setting and rising health care costs have made it necessary for hospitals to make use of advance practice nurses (APNs). The role of the TNP is one of a professional, with at least a Masters degree in nursing, who is a key player in health care delivery in the hospital and in critical care or trauma units. This professional through the newly defined role promotes team cohesion, communication and emphasis on the patient’s self-determination in making informed choices from a variety of more holistic health care options available. The leadership and comprehensive medical care provided by TNPs includes particular attention to continuity of care as the trauma patient returns to the community.
Significance
The rising prevalence of TNPs in the hospital critical care / trauma units has great significance for the nursing community and health care consumers because of the opportunities for improvement of self-determination in the trauma patient’s care and inclusion of all aspects of holistic health care that include complementary and alternative therapies as well as traditional
Trauma Nursing 3
surgical
Trauma Nursing: Advanced Practice
Ted E. Dunn
Nursing 1070: Introduction to Nursing Science
Dr. Janet L. Grady
Trauma Nursing 2
Statement of Purpose The role of trauma nurse practitioner (TNP) has been formed only in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to use nursing literature that includes research in this and other fields to describe that role and how it is evolving. Trauma represents a sudden event altering the course of the lives of those affected allowing little time for usual coping mechanisms to work their course. The nature of trauma makes it singularly important in demanding the best character traits and skills of nurses and those directly affected by the trauma incident. The changes in health care brought on by changes in technology, availability of physician residents in the hospital setting and rising health care costs have made it necessary for hospitals to make use of advance practice nurses (APNs). The role of the TNP is one of a professional, with at least a Masters degree in nursing, who is a key player in health care delivery in the hospital and in critical care or trauma units. This professional through the newly defined role promotes team cohesion, communication and emphasis on the patient’s self-determination in making informed choices from a variety of more holistic health care options available. The leadership and comprehensive medical care provided by TNPs includes particular attention to continuity of care as the trauma patient returns to the community.
Significance
The rising prevalence of TNPs in the hospital critical care / trauma units has great significance for the nursing community and health care consumers because of the opportunities for improvement of self-determination in the trauma patient’s care and inclusion of all aspects of holistic health care that include complementary and alternative therapies as well as traditional
Trauma Nursing 3
surgical