Things You Need to Know About Trauma Nurse

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a trauma nurse? By now, you know the job description and may have seen nurses depicted in the media. However, until you actually live the life of a nurse working in a trauma unit, you will never fully understand the experience. It’s best to talk to some nurses who are actively working in such an environment to gauge what the job is like and what pressure you will be up against.

What is Expected of You

Trauma nurses are expected to work in a state-of-emergency environment, and usually work with patients who are exhibiting extreme symptoms. The cause of the injury is oftentimes not known, and they must coordinate with doctors, family members and other medical staff. Preventing complications and maintaining vital signs will typically be the extent of your job duties. Beginning trauma nurses may only work with admitting patients to the ER. However, as you gain more experience and certifications, you may be able to offer more nursing services, depending on your credentials.

A Day in the Life of a Trauma Nurse

Cathy Carter, RN, BSN, MICN, CEN, was interviewed by The Working Nurse and shared some of her insights with the publication. Her primary duties were working in the ER and “answering the base radio to direct care of patients.” She later revealed that not all RNs are licensed to do specific activities, and so qualified nurses sometimes have to carry the burden.

When asked what motivates her to stay working hard 12 hour days, she expressed that it is her love of people and what she does impacts the lives of others. “In this day and age, everyone should have an advocate at their bedside and not everyone does. I’m dedicated to my patients.”

While she does mention that the nurses do sometimes have “all hands on deck” moments where there are mass casualties, for the most part she does have lunch time and break time. In addition, volunteer workers really help them with their time and sometimes by giving them gifts.

For her days off she does exercise and works as a trainer. This she credits to her positive attitude and high-endurance lifestyle. Carter speaks highly of the team ethic in the hospital. “We are a team, drawing strength from one another and enjoying our mutual camaraderie.”

What This Means for You, the Trauma Nurse Student

Prepare yourself for a tough challenge. No one is going to tell you it’s easy. However, practically every nurse you talk to has wonderful things to say about their job and how they help people. One constant remains: that you do not carry the stress of the field on your own shoulders. Now is not the time to distance yourself from other people. Now is the time to rely on your family, professional colleagues, and co-workers, who can very easily become good friends. This is a team effort all the way. With perseverance you can succeed.