Where can I get some more of this? TNCC rocks!!

[pedsrnjc]

I have been a nurse for about 18 months. I work in Long Term Care (LTC), my dream is to be an ER nurse, but the job market stinks and I'm not ready yet...so here's my story:

I wanted to make myself more marketable so I took ACLS and then, a few months, ago I took TNCC, the instructors didn't expect me to pass because I have no acute care experience, but I DID! Still didn't get an ER job, but, wow, before that class I flet like I could use another 2-5 years of nursing school. I didn't understand what was going on with my residents often. TNCC pulled nursing school together for me. I want more.

Here's my cool story: I work the overnight shift and normally it's a cake job, I pass a couple pills at midnight and about 20 meds at 6 am and between that time, I just do piddly stuff, or round with the CNA's. But when another nursing station needs an RN, I go.

A few nights ago, I was called to assess a resident after a fall, resident had fallen off the bed and hit his/her ribs on the trash can. I knew something wasn't right from the way he/she was holding his/her side and breathing, also, initially his/her sats were 83%. He/she has COPD and advanced dememtia, a hard patient to assess, but we put the resident on their O2 and called the doc, I used my S-BAR, and voiced my suspician that, even though it was unlikely, I suspected a pneumothorax. The doc stated that he also would be suprised if it was a pneumothorax, as resident only fell off the bed, but ordered a pain med.

I had the TMA take vitals Q15 minutes and report any changes immediately. I looked for a 14 gauge IV needle, which we don't have, I was prepared. Yup, resident left for ER shortly, with pneumothorax. While I was sad that the resident was hurt, I was stoked that I had recognized something seriously wrong, even though it was subtle. Woot! Woot!

I know that TNCC changed me as a nurse for the better; I can't say enough good about it. Where can I get some more good learning? What other classes can I take to sharpen my assessment/intervention skills? I still feel like I could use another 1-3 years of nursing school.

Thanks guys!

[MicsterRN]

I definitely need something like TNCC. I also work LTC, and I nearly have panic attacks before work at the thought that something will go wrong and I won't know what to do!!! BTW, what does TNCC stand for?

I heard ACLS is ridiculously hard, but I still want to take it to make myself more marketable. I was searching for a class, but that's not as easy as just perusing the AHA website - couldn't find anything!

[pedsrnjc]

Sorry, TNCC stands for Trauma Nursing Core Course (or Curriculum (sp?)), you can usually find a course through the Emergency Nurse Association, I think you just have to google it and then look for classes in your state.

ACLS is hard, but if you study cardiac rhythms beforehand, and take a pre-course, you should be okay. Just read the books, okay? You can do it. I would look for a class through a local hospital, the ones in our area have ACLS about every six months.

Both classes are hard, but very helpful.

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

Great call OP, nice to walk on air, isn't it?

[AirforceRN, RN]

The CATN (Course in Advanced Trauma Nursing) is also a great course. It is heavily pathophysiology based but really pulls together important concepts and info.

About the Course

[pedsrnjc]

Thank-you AirforceRN, I'm gonna try to go to that one. Such interesting stuff. It looks like I'll really have to hit the books before that class.

I envy your military experience, but I'm a mom and couldn't possibly leave my kids. Thanks so much for serving, I know you must be making/have made sacrafices, thanks.

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Awesome job! I wanted to sign up for TNCC in my area but was turned away because I do not work in the ER. After your story I'm going to look into it again with perhaps a different company.

[LunchClubber]

congrats on the wise call!

tncc is fun and if you enjoyed it that much i highly recommend taking an emt course.

the time investment in becoming an emergency medical technician will only make you a better rn.

as most nursing schools teach almost zero emergency information (but as soon as you become a rn everyone thinks you have all the answers) an emt cert will enhance all of your medical skills (but don't just earn the cert - find a local ambulance and volunteer).

good luck!

[cwhitebn]

I'm starting the TNCC course in 3 weeks...got the books already and have most of it read. I'm really nervous. I have no ER experience but I do work on an acute surgical floor for the past several months. Any advice girls/guys?

Thanks!

[AirforceRN, RN]

Thank-you AirforceRN, I'm gonna try to go to that one. Such interesting stuff. It looks like I'll really have to hit the books before that class.

I envy your military experience, but I'm a mom and couldn't possibly leave my kids. Thanks so much for serving, I know you must be making/have made sacrafices, thanks.

Thanks LTC RN.

The sacrifices are hugely outweighed by the rewards...made easier by the fact that I don't have kids (yet) to leave behind.

[cwhitebn]

Just passed my TNCC course beautifully! It was an awesome course and I'd recommend it to any RN out there!

[YEGRN]

What a great thread! I just passed my ACLS and wow, I felt s. uper-confident about code situations afterwards. I only wish I had done the course earlier on in my career. After having read your postings about the TNCC, I'm definitely going to enrol. I work in general surgery, but hey, it all helps. :)