Leading Emergency Nursing

Photo by Ina Fried

In a combination roast and tribute, speakers at the 10th anniversary celebration for the Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) program Oct. 15 teased Frank Cole, Ph.D., about his Boston accent and acknowledged that he "changed the way I practice nursing." Cole was recognized for having a national impact on emergency nursing. Cole and colleague Elda Ramirez conceptualized, developed and implemented the program at The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston in 1994. Today the Emergency Care Graduate Nursing Program offers three options: ENP, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Post- Master's Certificate. Cole is professor, chair and assistant dean for the Department of Acute and Continuing Care. Ramirez is division head, Emergency Care, in that department.