How to Become a Trauma Nurse

Trauma nurses work regularly in emergency and life-or-death situations, often dealing with car accidents, work-related injuries, crimes of violence, poisonings, drownings, or suicide attempts. Trauma nurses may work in emergency rooms, ground or flight ambulances, or critical care centers. They work to stabilize trauma patients before secondary complications set in, such as shock or respiratory failure, or even death.

Time is critical

The criticality of the patient should be assessed within five minutes of arrival. This evaluation focuses on specific injuries as well as airway, breathing, circulatory system, and neurological status. Patients have what is called the Golden Hour for the injuries to be assessed and for the patients to be stabilized before life-saving surgery. Unlike certified emergency nurses who specialize in short-term crisis care of the patient, trauma nurses take care of the patient for his or her entire recovery.

Training and Certification

To train as a trauma nurse, one must first become a registered nurse. Registered nurses (RNs) commonly take courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, nursing practices, ethics, nursing process, risk reduction, and health promotion to obtain a diploma or associate?s or bachelor?s degree from an accredited nursing program, after which they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Only after two years of experience as an RN can the candidate sit for the Emergency nursing certification from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). After becoming a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), he or she can then train to become a trauma nurse. The final step to becoming a trauma nurse is to take the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) from the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).

Other Requirements

Trauma nurses need not only to be on their feet for long shifts and odd hours, but to think on their feet and be able to make life-or-death decisions regarding their patients. Trauma nurses need to have physical endurance, emotional stability, and effective problem solving skills. They also need to be able to work with a team that may include doctors, paramedics, radiographers, and other nurses as well as be able to calm the patient and explain the situation to the patient?s loved ones.

Further Training

Other certifications in emergency nursing that can be beneficial to the trauma nurse include Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN), and Critical Care Ground Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN).

Always check the federal, state, and/or county requirements for the particular nursing subspecialty of interest. To maintain certification, trauma nurses must take continuing education in their field. Many opt to obtain a master?s degree in nursing.

Job Growth

Job prospects for the nursing profession are excellent, growing much faster than average. Trauma nurses will become more in demand as the population ages and as emergency situations become more frequent. Trauma nurses make approximately $60,000 a year.

Janice Lipton writes for nursing blogs where you can learn more about How To Become A Trauma Nurse.

Source: http://northernstar-online.com/blog/how-to-become-a-trauma-nurse/

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