The lived experience of dual-qualified emergency nurse-paramedics working for Australian jurisdictional ambulance services: A phenomenological study.
Australasian Emergency Care · 2025-11-17 · Qualitative study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To better align with the evolving needs of the community, Australian ambulance services are increasingly required to develop innovative care models. The dual-qualified emergency nurse-paramedic has skills and knowledge that align with these models yet is underutilised as a flexible workforce group available to meet specific needs. This research explored the lived experience of dual-qualified emergency nurse-paramedics working for Australian jurisdictional ambulance services to gain their perspectives. METHOD: A descriptive phenomenological approach, informed by the works of Husserl was adopted for this study. Individual interviews were conducted with dual-qualified emergency nurse-paramedics (N = 13). Data was analysed according to Colaizzi. RESULTS: Participants described frustration with the current lack of acknowledgement of, and potential to therefore apply their knowledge, skills and experience. They voiced a desire for dual regulatory support and for an emergency nurse-paramedic role to be established. Beneficiaries of such a role were perceived to include the health system, ambulance services, the community, and the individual practitioner, whilst barriers included regulatory and organisational challenges. CONCLUSION: The introduction of an emergency nurse-paramedic role in Australian jurisdictional ambulance services is timely and could contribute to improving care and health service delivery.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Ambulance & prehospital nurses · Clinician perspective · Paramedics & EMTs
Related articles
- The professional identity of dual-qualified nurse-paramedics: A descriptive phenomenological study (Paramedicine, 2026)
- [Current status and organizational impacts of paramedics and specialized nurses working in fire and rescue services in France]. (Soins, 2026)
- Being prepared for the unprepared: a phenomenology field study of Swedish prehospital care. (J Emerg Nurs, 2012)
- 'Worth … the Nightmares'? A Qualitative Study of Early-Career Healthcare Workers' Wellbeing and Career Decisions After Starting Work During Covid-19. (Clin Teach, 2025)
- Caring for older people in prehospital emergency care: can nurses make a difference? (J Clin Nurs, 2005)
- Ambulance clinicians' attitudes to older patients' self-determination when the patient has impaired decision-making ability: A Delphi study. (Int J Older People Nurs, 2022)