Position and responsibilities of stroke emergency specialist nurses: a qualitative study

Objective To explore the position and responsibilities of stroke emergency specialist nurses. Methods The interviewing method in qualitative studies was adopted and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted on four doctors, four nurses, two technicians and six managers. Claizzi's seven-step phenomenological data analysis method was used to encode, assemble, categorize, analyze and refine the content theme. Results The position of stroke emergency specialist nurses is compound specialist and team coordinator. Its duties include accurate identification of stroke patients, early warning for CT room and rapid preparation before thrombolysis, assisting family members in clinical decision-making, ensuring seamless connection of all steps, handing over with rescue room and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) room and ward, ensuring adequate material supply, establishing and maintaining database and continuing patient return visit. Conclusions The post setting of stroke emergency specialist nurses laid a foundation for the rapid treatment of stroke patients. Their role was positioned as senior practical nurses, and their post setting faced a series of challenges. Promoting the mature experience of post setting of stroke emergency specialist nursess can train a group of stroke emergency specialist nursess and lead the development of specialized stroke nursing. Key words: Stroke; Emergency; Specialist nurses; Position and responsibility; Qualitative research