Revolutionizing Care: Ann Wolbert Burgess Featured in Emergency Nursing Journal
The latest edition of the Journal of Emergency Nursing shines a spotlight on Ann Wolbert Burgess, a distinguished clinical psychiatric nurse and forensic scientist whose transformative work has significantly impacted the way healthcare professionals approach and care for survivors of sexual assault. This remarkable woman has been instrumental in shifting public understanding and enhancing the protocols used to treat victims in emergency situations.
In her interview featured in the November issue, Burgess discusses her influential career, particularly her seminal co-authorship of "The Rape Victim in the Emergency Ward," published in the American Journal of Nursing back in 1973. At that time, societal attitudes toward victims of sexual assault were fraught with misunderstanding and stigma, often leading to victim-blaming. Burgess’s pioneering research and advocacy work helped illuminate the specific needs and experiences of survivors, thus paving the way for more compassionate care in emergency settings.
As a clinical psychiatric nurse, Burgess has worked closely with the FBI, studying serial offenders with the ultimate goal of both crime prevention and better care for victims. Her involvement in this field is celebrated and noted in the recent Hulu documentary, "Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer," which showcases her efforts to understand criminal behavior and its implications for victim care.
During her interview, Burgess reflects on the considerable progress made in emergency nursing regarding sexual assault care. She emphasizes the essential role nurses play, stating, "What we as nurses do today to care for patients who have been sexually assaulted is largely due to the work of those before us, including myself."
Moreover, the feature dives deeper into various topics, including the advancements in providing both physical comfort and emotional support to sexual assault survivors during their treatment. It discusses how nurses can effectively engage in evidence collection while maintaining a compassionate approach to patient care.
Aside from Burgess’s compelling interview, the November issue also includes valuable insights into emergency care practices. It presents a detailed case study on a patient with flail chest and research findings on suicide prevention interventions within emergency settings. Readers can benefit from this issue by earning continuing education credits for their engagement, providing an additional layer of professional development.
The Journal of Emergency Nursing, published six times a year, serves as a critical peer-reviewed resource for those in the emergency nursing specialty, with ongoing updates about best practices and professional issues relevant to the field.
Founded in 1970, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) stands at the forefront of shaping the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, and leadership. With a robust membership of nearly 45,000 nurses globally, ENA promotes patient safety and establishes critical practice standards that enhance the field of emergency care.
For those interested in furthering their knowledge and expertise in emergency nursing, the November issue of the Journal of Emergency Nursing is a must-read, showcasing not only the contributions of Ann Wolbert Burgess but also the evolving landscape of nursing care for sexual assault survivors and other critical medical cases.