TNCC or CEN for re-entering workforce RN?

Published

Specializes in Pediatrics, Chemical Dependency, Psych.

I am RN who hopes to return to work after being out raising kids. My last acute care experience was 9 years ago and last worked in an outpatient clinic 4 years ago. I am interested in the ER: In order to prepare myself I am interested in taking courses or obtaining certifications to make me more confident and ultimately more marketable when applying for ER jobs. I had a ER manager tell me to go the TNCC route as obtaining a CEN certificate without ER experience would not be appropriate from a hiring manager's standpoint. The TNCC was recommended as a good alternative. ER nurses, what do you think?

Thanks so much for your help and input :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

Not an ER nurse but I can suggest a good RN refresher course. I took mine at the University of South Dakota about nine years ago. At the time, it was independent study and I needed a proctor for unit exams, but now I would guess that much of it might be online. The class was mandatory to get my license back to "active" status but I thought it was an excellent review. I also had to do 80 hours of clinicals in an acute care facility and had a preceptor who worked with me on that.

Good luck to you. At times it seems very daunting to re-enter the workforce but it is well worthwhile.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Chemical Dependency, Psych.

Thanks Moogie for your advice- I've looked into that program and it does look really good.

Hope you are doing well!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I vote for TNCC - you won't have enough base knowledge to easily pass the CEN exam. Not saying you couldn't pass it, just that it will be a whole lot easier in 2 years. I would also say get up to date on BLS, ACLS, peds certification: either ENPC or PEPP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Chemical Dependency, Psych.

Thanks so much TraumaRUs- Think that is a really good point. Really appreciate your advice-

Have a great day-

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What do TNCC and CEN stand for? Thanks! I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART.

BLS, ACLS Definitely!

TNCC is best for now, CEN requires 2 years of clinical experinece in ER verified by a nurse manager to take the exam.

Best of Luck, and as several others have said, a Nurse Refresher course. In my state you can NOT return to work after several years not working without taking one. The community colleges here offer them.

Welcome back.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

TNCC - trauma nurse core curriculum

CEN - certified emergency nurse

Up Vote Up Vote ×
TNCC - trauma nurse core curriculum

CEN - certified emergency nurse

Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma/ED.

They recommend some ED experience before you take the TNCC course and I agree that it's more rewarding if you've at least been exposed to trauma. I would definitely do ACLS and PALS though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, education, mgmt.

Welcome back and best wishes in entering the crazy world of ER nursing. No further advice to add as the other posters are right on the money with their advice. just wanted to say Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
CEN requires 2 years of clinical experinece in ER verified by a nurse manager to take the exam.

Actually, that's not true. BCEN recommends 2 years, but it's not required. I took my CEN after 10 months of time as an RN. CPEN requires specific time, but the CEN does not. Eligibility info: http://www.ena.org/bcen/exams/Eligibilty/Pages/default.aspx

However, I agree with the others ... TNCC, ACLS, BLS, PALS, ENPC/PEPP ... all good. Save the CEN for later.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion