BCEN and Partners Announce Top Line Results of First Emergency/Trauma/Transport Nursing Workforce Study
BCEN Joins Forces with MedEvac Foundation and Emergency, Transport and Trauma Nurse Associations to Better Understand the Emergency Nursing Workforce
OAK BROOK, IL (June 3, 2019) – The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), the benchmark for board certification across the emergency nursing spectrum, is proud to partner with the MedEvac Foundation International and the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN), the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), and the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), to release select top line findings of a first ever study on the current state of the emergency, trauma and transport nursing workforce. The research included a comprehensive and detailed look at the characteristics of emergency, trauma and transport nurses and the challenges they face.
“When BCEN decided to invest in research to better understand the issues, challenges and professional development needs of nurses across the emergency spectrum, we went straight to the MedEvac Foundation International,” said BCEN Executive Director Janie Schumaker, MBA, RN, CEN, CENP, CPHQ, FABC. “The combination of MedEvac Foundation’s highly regarded track record in managing quality research studies and the invaluable input, insight and funding support from STN, ASTNA and ENA, has yielded a treasure trove of critical information that will benefit emergency nursing and emergency care today and in the years to come.”
About the Emergency/Trauma/Transport Nursing Workforce Study
The MedEvac Foundation and its partners worked with the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) to collect, analyze, and synthesize multiple sources of data, including both existing databases and a direct survey of practicing nurses across the emergency spectrum to gather information on the current state of the workforce and expected changes to it over the next five to 10 years. Although several sources document information on the national nursing workforce overall, none provide detailed information on the population of nurses in the emergency, trauma and transport spectrum, such as geographical location, age, work environment, experience, and career goals. Without this information, it is difficult to understand the makeup of the current workforce and accurately project the types and amount of resources necessary to meet the demand for emergency, trauma and transport nursing services now and into the future.
“This research will inform and enrich our emergency, transport and trauma specialty certification programs and provides valuable information to develop, support and maintain a well-prepared emergency nursing workforce,” said Schumaker. “As the national certification body for nurses practicing across the emergency spectrum, BCEN is committed to supporting nurses who have earned or aim to achieve the nursing profession’s highest professional credential and are dedicated to delivering the best possible care to patients when they are at their sickest and most vulnerable.” In addition to her BCEN role, Schumaker is president-elect of the American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS).
More details about the workforce study’s research design, methodology and select top line findings are available in the Executive Summary and infographic and in the joint news release at http://medevacfoundation.org/medevac-foundation-international-emergency-trauma-and-transport-nurses-workforce-study/.
“Emergency care can, and typically does, affect everyone in their lifetime. We’re very excited to support the nursing community and the long-ranging effects this study will have on emergency, trauma and transport medicine as a whole,” said Rick Sherlock, CEO of MedEvac Foundation International.
“We were thrilled to go into this project with known leaders in the industry who share our vision on the future of the nursing workforce,” added Schumaker.
About BCEN
The independent, nonprofit Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®) develops robust certification exams fostering empowered nurses across the emergency spectrum who contribute noticeably to patient care, safety and outcomes. Over 52,000 BCEN board certifications are currently held by registered nurses (RNs) who specialize in emergency, flight, critical care ground transport, pediatric emergency and trauma nursing. BCEN offers the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN®), Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN®), Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN®), Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN®) and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certifications. The CEN, CFRN, CPEN, and TCRN certification programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC), the only accrediting body specifically for nursing certifications. Learn more at bcen.org. Follow BCEN on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About MedEvac Foundation International
Founded by the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), the MedEvac Foundation International is dedicated to identifying and promoting air medical and critical care transport best practices and improvements worldwide. The Foundation funds research and disseminates safety, patient care, and operational resources throughout the industry via the web, educational presentations, and printed publications. For additional information, visit the Foundation’s web site at www.medevacfoundation.org.
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