Clinical nursing experience in the emergency department

Abstract

An outbreak of MRSA/VRE and subsequent closure of the 4D nursing unit forced the University of Saskatchewan College of Nursing to seek alternate sites for clinical experience. Fortunately, the two emergency departments were able to accommodate the Year III students. Although the course intents are levelled for care of patients admitted to a hospital unit, we believe that with adequate supports and supervision, junior students can acquire some of the competencies required in an emergency department. Normally in the University of Saskatchewan BScN program, emergency is a fourth-year experience. The College of Nursing is currently working with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region to increase the numbers of students receiving that experience.