Exploration and model development for emergency department waiting room nurse role: Synthesis of a three-phase sequential mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: To improve flow and care in waiting rooms, some emergency departments introduced a specific nursing role to care for this patient cohort with the aim of commencing interventions early, improving patient safety by reassessing and enhancing communication. The objective of the research was to explore to what extent does qualitative interviews and quantitative survey contribute to describing emergency department waiting room nurses, through integration and synthesis of findings from a multiphase mixed methods study. METHODS: Multiphase mixed methods exploratory sequential design with integration of findings. Data integration occurred during the phases and when assimilating all findings. FINDINGS: Experienced emergency nurses, preferably with graduate qualifications, who are autonomous practitioners with highly developed communication skills, clinical decision making and proficiency in assessment and monitoring are required to perform the role. The waiting room nurse provides patient-centered care and ensures safe, timely care is delivered to those in the waiting room. A standardised approach and high risk of exposure to occupational stressors need to be considered. CONCLUSIONS: This mixed methods sequential design explored the waiting room nurse role from the perspective of emergency nurses generating new knowledge into the role. This advanced practice nursing role contributes to patient safety and delivery of patient centred care in the emergency department waiting room.