Is becoming a trauma nurse right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Still unsure if becoming a trauma nurse is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a trauma nurse or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become a Trauma Nurse
Becoming a trauma nurse requires a combination of education, experience, and training. Here are the steps you can take to become a trauma nurse:
- Obtain a nursing degree: The first step to becoming a trauma nurse is to obtain a nursing degree. This can be an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The most common pathway is to earn a BSN degree. This degree program typically takes four years to complete.
- Obtain a nursing license: After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a nursing license. The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that tests your knowledge and skills in nursing practice. Passing this exam is a requirement to practice as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States.
- Gain nursing experience: Trauma nursing is a specialized area of nursing that requires experience in emergency nursing. Therefore, you should work as a registered nurse in an emergency department or critical care unit. You can also gain experience by working in a trauma center or a Level I or Level II trauma center.
- Obtain certification: After gaining experience, you can obtain certification in trauma nursing. The Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) offers the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification, which is a nationally recognized certification for emergency nurses. You can also obtain certification in Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) through the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).
- Pursue advanced education: You can pursue advanced education to become a trauma nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist in trauma. This requires additional education and certification.
- Keep learning: Trauma nursing is a constantly evolving field, and it's essential to keep up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and technologies. Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops, and consider pursuing continuing education to expand your knowledge and skills.
Certifications
Certification is not required to work as a trauma nurse, but obtaining certification can demonstrate a nurse's dedication to the specialty and enhance their career opportunities.
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) - Offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), TCRN certification is designed for registered nurses who provide care to trauma patients in emergency departments, trauma centers, and critical care units.
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) - The CEN certification, also offered by the BCEN, is for nurses who provide emergency care to patients across the lifespan. Although it is not specific to trauma nursing, it covers many of the same skills and knowledge required for the specialty.
- Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) - This certification, offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing, is designed for nurses who work in air medical transport, including trauma transport.
- Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN) - ATCN is a course that provides nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and manage trauma patients in emergency and critical care settings. It is not a certification, but completion of the course demonstrates a nurse's competence in trauma care.
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) - TNCC is a course designed to provide registered nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide optimal care to trauma patients. It is not a certification, but it is recognized as the standard for trauma education by many healthcare facilities.
Associations
There are several associations for trauma nurses that provide resources, education, and networking opportunities. Some of the most well-known associations include:
- Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) - STN is a non-profit organization that provides education, networking opportunities, and resources to trauma nurses. They offer a variety of educational opportunities, including webinars, conferences, and online courses.
- Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) - ENA is a professional organization that represents emergency nurses and provides education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. They offer a Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) and provide trauma-related resources to their members.
- American Trauma Society (ATS) - ATS is a non-profit organization that works to improve trauma care and prevention through education, research, and advocacy. They offer resources and educational opportunities for trauma nurses, including a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) certification.
- National Association of Trauma Nurses (NATN) - NATN is a professional organization that represents trauma nurses and provides education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. They offer a variety of educational resources, including webinars, conferences, and online courses.
- Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA) - TCAA is an organization that represents trauma centers and provides education and resources related to trauma care. They offer resources and networking opportunities for trauma nurses who work in trauma centers.