The work of accident and emergency nurses: Part I. An introduction to the rules

An ethnomethodological study was undertaken to explore the work of Accident and Emergency nurses, the aim of which was to analyse the ordinary, taken-for-granted and everyday work of those practising A & E nursing. This, the first of two papers, will examine the work of A & E nurses via a description of rules or maxims that underpin work and its everyday organization. Such a description will form the basis for part 2, which explores the specific rules of A & E nursing work. To understand the specific rules and the ways in which they contribute to organization and accomplishment of aspects of the work, the definition and use of rules should be put forward. Defining rules within the context of the work provides a means by which specific rules of work can then be explored. The rules of A & E work ensure that A & E nursing is seen and heard as a specific type of work with its own unique approach to talk and organization. This is tied in with peer and colleague views of what is deemed to be clinical competence within the A & E setting.