Emergency service nursing staff: a survey of knowledge, attitudes, and concerns.

A survey of the nursing staff in an emergency service was completed by anonymous questionnaire. The results of the survey indicate satisfaction and confidence in the triaging group, a wish for more staff and specific inservice course content, good perception of emergency situations, misperception about restraint policy and the life-threatening nature of opiate withdrawal, and the need to focus on a clearer definition of those patients who do not require acute care.