Abstract: Pain management practices within emergency departments require a more patient focused approach due to extended waiting times for analgesia. This dissertation questions current methods of providing timely and appropriate delivery of analgesia. Nurses represent the biggest resource in emergency departments therefore are in a position to be able to access patients in a timely fashion. A review of the literature pertaining to nurse initiated analgesia protocols has been evaluated and information relating to efficiency and safety utilised to discuss the processes for planning and implementation of a similar protocol. The author finds that the literature provides no evidence that nurse initiated analgesic practices prior to medical assessment compromises patient safety or delays diagnosis. A discussion of the benefits to patients, nurses and the institution has been included to highlight the appropriateness of extending nursing roles.
