How to Become a Trauma Nurse

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Introduction to Trauma Nursing

Trauma nurses are in great demand. The trauma nurse will need to be someone who is not affected by high levels of stress, long work hours, and ability to treat patients who are in an emergency situation right away. A trauma nurse will need to be on his or her feet for long hours at a time and think and act quickly in order to treat patients who may be severely ill or injured. A trauma nurse must be able to use the skills learned such as starting an IV, drawing blood, inserting tubes and catheters, and bandaging severe wounds.

There are a number of things a trauma nurse will need to do in order to work in the field. Completing these steps will help ensure that a trauma nurse has the ability and training to work in emergency situations.

Step One

The first step to becoming a trauma nurse is to get a nursing license. A nursing degree can usually be obtained at a community college or university. Many nursing students earn a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree then continue training to become a Registered Nurse (RN). There is also the option to earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or a MSN (Master of Science in Nursing). You will need to complete and pass a number of courses such as anatomy, chemistry, physiology, nursing process, risk reduction, nursing process, and health promotion.

Step Two

The second step to becoming a trauma nurse is to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) test. You will need to apply for a license in your particular state and pay the necessary fees associated with earning the license. Once approved, this will qualify you to practice entry-level nursing in a hospital or other nursing care facility.

Step Three

Once approved, you should get experience working in an emergency room or trauma center. Being exposed to emergency medicine will help you improve your skills and allow you to make sure this is the type of nursing you wish to do. While working, it is helpful to take courses to maintain your nursing skills. For example, there is a helpful course called the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) that is offered by the Emergency Nurses Association. You will need to pay the necessary fees, which vary from state to state.

Step Four

The next step to becoming a trauma nurse is to seek formal training pertaining to your nursing career. For example, there is a special certification license called the CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse). This additional training and certification will not only help with finding a job as a trauma nurse in a competitive job market, but will also show employers that you are trained and knowledgeable about working with severely injured patients in an emergency situation. Passing the exam will give you a four-year certification then you are required to renew it.

Step Five

Getting a Master’s Degree in nursing will help you gain additional skills and show employers that you are capable of working in high stress situations. In order to obtain a Master’s Degree, you can either take classes at a university or you can do most of the training online. Having a Master’s Degree and nursing experience will help ensure that you can not only work in emergency situations, but you are one step closer to teaching nursing classes once you gain experience, if this is a job you would like to pursue.

Character of a Trauma Nurse

Due to the high level of stress and long work hours, becoming a trauma nurse is an important decision that you should seriously consider before putting yourself in emergency situations where you need to think and act quickly. It is important to stay calm and be able to reassure the patient and the family that they will be taken care of the best way possible. Becoming a trauma nurse not only requires working skills, but also requires a personality that is compassionate and calm. If you are sure this is the career choice for you, taking these necessary steps will ensure that you will have a nursing job that is rewarding and fulfilling.