CEN, CCRN, or TNCC?

I'm about 9 months into my ED job and am making attempts to keep learning and increasing skills and knowledge. I've attended a few day long seminars/workshops but think my next goals should CEN, CCRN, or TNCC.

Any advice on best ways to prepare for CEN or if I should go straight for CCRN? I want to stay in the ED and someday work trauma; my hospital is not a trauma center. I know I could learn a lot in the ICU but I just don't have a desire to work ICU.:uhoh3: Will the CCRN still be just as helpful to me?

Specializes in Emergency.

Thanks for the insight and advice!

In order to prepare for the CEN exam is it similar to preparing for the NCLEX……self study and optional review sessions with private companies? Any book recommendations?

Why not look at the CEN support threads in this forum?

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
RN-Cardiac said:
Check out the ENA website they have info and study tips and if I remember right you have to have 1yr of ER experience to sit for the exam.

Actually, there isn't an actual requirement like that. Some time is recommended, but not required.

Specializes in Cardiac, ER.
LunahRN said:
Actually, there isn't an actual requirement like that. Some time is recommended, but not required. 

I hate to see eager new grads set themselves up to fail by trying to "take every test they can find". Get the experience, study and then go for it,..it might save you some heartache and money in the long run!

Specializes in ER, Trauma, ICU/CCU/NICU, EMS, Transport.
It may depend on who teaches it because where i live the TNCC course is much more challenging than ACLS. Although the last time I took TNCC it was easier because you only had to do one mock trauma station rather than 3 like before. It's a good course but really only teaches you the basics of trauma nursing.

The CEN exam is a much more difficult exam than the TNCC one but should be passed by anyone who works ED for awhile, hence the recommendation for a year experience.

The CCRN would be helpful if you want to do flight nursing but if you want to do that you should probably look at cross-training to the ICU anyway.

Larry, are you saying you had to TEST on 3 mock trauma stations in prior classes?

as someone who has sat and "fortunatley" passed both exams i think its prudent for any nurse to try to obtain a specialty certification. however i dont honestly believe that just having a certification make you a better nurse, but you have to admire a sincere effort to prepare yourself and passing the exam. If you decide to take an exam and pass it, dont let that be the end of you searching for knowledge within your field. continue to review your study guides often, even after you have passed the exam, cause you cant retain everything for an infinite amount of time. its a good peaceful feeling after you get that pass score also feels good in my wallet too, in the sume of additional $2.50/hr.

How hard would it be to become a CEN without any experience? I am a new grad and can not find work in CA and hope a certification would improve my job prospects?

Specializes in ER, Trauma.
Liz520 said:
I'm about 9 months into my ED job and am making attempts to keep learning and increasing skills and knowledge. I've attended a few day long seminars/workshops but think my next goals should CEN, CCRN, or TNCC.

Any advice on best ways to prepare for CEN or if I should go straight for CCRN? I want to stay in the ED and someday work trauma; my hospital is not a trauma center. I know I could learn a lot in the ICU but I just don't have a desire to work ICU.:uhoh3: Will the CCRN still be just as helpful to me?

They recommend that you have at least one year of trauma experience prior to taking your CEN. most employers will pay for this examination once you are in a trauma center...(any level trauma). If you are wishing to gain trauma experience I suggest you work in an ER for at least a year prior to attempting trauma courses. the TNCC and ENPC are great tools for prepping for the CEN however, then you cannot use these courses as CEUS to maintain your CEN.

Specializes in Trauma/ED.
Larry, are you saying you had to TEST on 3 mock trauma stations in prior classes?

Yes...plus the written. Now only testing on 1 mock trauma and the written.

How much does it generally cost to take a TNCC review course? After that, how much does it cost to register for the TNCC exam?

Specializes in Trauma/ED.
How much does it generally cost to take a TNCC review course? After that, how much does it cost to register for the TNCC exam?

My work pays for it so I'm not positive how much it is (maybe $350.00 or so). You could buy the book and study it. I usually suggest studying the book a little before hand anyway...memorize your A-I assessment and read some of the chapters about trauma that you are not familiar with (ie neuro if you don't do much neuro at your hospital).

Hi there, I have been working as an agency nurse(RN) in the ICU and ED for about 7yrs. Although my agency will not reimburse me to take the CEN course, I am interested. Would you know where I can self pay for this couse online

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