D E v E lo P i N g t HE A&E Nurs E Pr A ctitio NE r r ol E

As boundaries between the different healthcare professions blur, it is essential to determine the direction the nurse practitioner (NP) role should take. Here, JoannaFisher and colleagues describe a research project investigating NP and consultant nurse perceptions about the role of NPs in A&E. A modified grounded theory design (Burnard 1991) forms the foundation of this research, which uses semi-structured interviews with staff from two A&E departments. By exploring the value and benefits of the NP role, this study provides an insight into how it can enhance patient management and care