Introduction: In Australia, the most common presentation to the Emergency Department is for pain. Often pharmaceutical options are primarily engaged and reflected in the alarming number of unintentional drugs induced deaths, now exceeding the Australian national road toll in 2022. This highlights the necessity for patients to gain more access to options for both acute and chronic pain relief. The Nursing code of ethics is beckoning us to respond to this crisis with courage.

Method: At a large regional Emergency Department, we have taken on a two-pronged approach to embarking on this challenge. Firstly, empowering Emergency Nurse Practitioners to undertake alternative roles including expanding their Scope of Practice to include Acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy. Secondly, supporting the “Personalised Add on Acupuncture Services at Northern Emergency Department for Acute Pain.” (PANDA). In partnership with RMIT university the Emergency Department is embarking on a feasibility implementation study to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing pain intensity and minimizing opioid prescription. The study is one that takes courage though vulnerability. We are seeking solutions that are outside the Western health care model.

Conclusion: We need to appreciate non-traditional medicines foundations, comprehensively understands our patients’ needs, and connect though attentive listening and shared humanity to make this breakthrough. Pain is universal and there is a demand for choice in treatment. We are leading clinical innovations with courage and pushing the boundaries of the unknown to improve patient cares. By engaging in non-traditional medicine outside of our more biomedical model and knowledge usually associated with in Western Medicine. We are empowering our nurses to seek understanding of alternative therapies, and the evidenced-based benefits of non-pharmaceutical interventions for pain related conditions deepen our clinical repertoire of skills and seek ultimately to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.