Are NPs utilized in trauma centers?

[vlmusicalsound, BSN, RN]

Hi all. I'm getting closer and closer to graduation and I plan on getting me DNP one day and becoming a nurse practitioner. I find that I'm drawn to working in the ER because I love the hectic environment of the trauma center. I'm curious to know if hospitals typically hire NPs to work in the ER and if they shoulder a lot of responsibility. What duties do they perform? Would it be advisable to become an FNP or ACNP? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Very dependent on the area. I'm an adult health CNS who works in a community ER. My nursing exp is mostly level one trauma center (10 years) and I too love the ER environment. However, its not always possible to get a job...as to what gets you to the ER: for people in my area its the ACNP coupled with a PNP or in my case, an adult health CNS with a peds CNS (I'm in school now).

[Christen, ANP]

I agree, very dependent on the area! In my area, our level one trauma center doesn't use NPs or PAs, most likely due to all the residents. The trauam team does have about 4 NPs who see pts in the clinics, etc, though. Our other two hospitals, however, do - but I'm not really sure what they do as I work in the trauma center.

[MS._Jen_RN, ASN, RN]

I'm an ACNP who works with the Orthotrauma/Orthopaedic Surgery team in a level one trauma center. I don not act as the person doing primary consults in the ED/ER but do assist with procedures there from time to time. My main role is to provide care to the patients who are admitted to the inpatinent side of things and assist with inpatient consults. I also help with discharge planning. There are 2 NPs at our hospital who work with the General Surgery/Trauma surgery teams, one with internal medicine, and 2 with palative care.

Hope that helps.

~Jen

[meandragonbrett]

Yes, there are NPs that work in Trauma. Baltimore Shock Trauma has NPs on their teams as well as other facilities around the country.