Developing a framework for emergency nursing practice in Africa

Whilst collaborating with members of the emergency team, the emergency nurse plays a crucial role in the identification and care of patients with medical, surgical and injury related emergencies. In Africa, as well as all over the world, the practice of emergency nursing is extremely challenging. In November 2011, an international emergency nursing workgroup (both academic and clinical) was convened in Cape Town, South Africa, to explore the development of a framework for emergency nursing practice in Africa. The resultant framework has implications for nursing education and training, continuing education, and staffing at both the institutional and regional levels throughout the African continent and possibly further afield.