Abstract Emergency nursing practice has been shaped by many factors. These factors
include advances in resuscitation and technology, recognition of emergency as
a specialty practice, increased consumer expectation, increased number of patient
presentations and changing case mix. These factors and the growing demand on the
healthcare system have increased the complexity and demands experienced in
emergency nursing. The current focus on emergency care provides an opportunity
for nurses to collectively drive the healthcare agenda, management focus, policy
direction and research agenda.
c 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.