TNCC: good to have?

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jul 19, 2005

I thought TNCC was definitely worth the trip. It gives a sense of predictability to what everyone is trying to do when a trauma comes in. It gave me the same confidence in trauma that ACLS does with codes. Now I know why things are done how and in the order they are. I feel more confident with immobilization and those confusing spider straps.

sjt9721, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2005

TNCC teaches & reinforces a systematic approach to patient assessment and discusses interventions & procedures commonly seen in the trauma patient. Go with an open mind...you just might enjoy it!

(...then go take an ENPC course for pediatric information!)

:)

mommatrauma, RN · Jul 20, 2005

I think ATCN is better. More "ER geared," in my opinion. I got more out of this than I did TNCC.

RNCENCCRNNREMTP · Aug 13, 2005

You do not have to attend TNCC (unless your department requires it) but I do recommend some type of trauma course if you are going to work ER.

Whether it be TNCC, ATCN, BTLS, PHTLS or auditing an ATLS course. Trauma is trauma. All courses mentioned teach about mechanisms and injury patterns and common types of injuries from traumatic mechanisms. What is different is what is taught in how to manage the trauma patient.

BTLS and PHTLS are geared for pre-hospital, but it may give you, as the ER RN, an appreciation for what is expected in the field (get an airway, protect the spine and MOVE!). TNCC and the more advanced and in-depth ATCN are geared for new and experienced ER nurses and basically prepare the ER nurse for what their role is in the overall scheme of trauma care. Finally, ATLS is geared for MD's but it is a fun course if you can get in as an auditor.

Trauma is trauma no matter who is taking care of it. What differs is what your practice level allows you to do to care for the trauma patient.

mommatrauma, RN · Aug 14, 2005

You do not have to attend TNCC (unless your department requires it) but I do recommend some type of trauma course if you are going to work ER.
Whether it be TNCC, ATCN, BTLS, PHTLS or auditing an ATLS course. Trauma is trauma. All courses mentioned teach about mechanisms and injury patterns and common types of injuries from traumatic mechanisms. What is different is what is taught in how to manage the trauma patient.
BTLS and PHTLS are geared for pre-hospital, but it may give you, as the ER RN, an appreciation for what is expected in the field (get an airway, protect the spine and MOVE!). TNCC and the more advanced and in-depth ATCN are geared for new and experienced ER nurses and basically prepare the ER nurse for what their role is in the overall scheme of trauma care. Finally, ATLS is geared for MD's but it is a fun course if you can get in as an auditor.
Trauma is trauma no matter who is taking care of it. What differs is what your practice level allows you to do to care for the trauma patient.

I don't know if it is different anywhere else, but where I took ATCN, it was taught concurrently with ATLS..the lectures were done together, the only difference was the the nurses and docs were separated for their practicals...so basically it is the nursing version of ATLS...very intense, great learning experience...TNCC I feel wasn't ER geared at all..it is required by my trauma center to be taken by everyone from ER to ICU to rehab...anyone that will come in contact with a trauma patient...It gets more into the long term care of the trauma patient, more the multidisciplinary approach...PHTLS I also took...very pre-hospital...but I thought an excellent class...very informative...

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2005

I'm about to take the TNCC course. I was wondering if it is even worth the trip? what does everyone think?

John, absolutely. The tncc will give you more than even acls and enpc will give you more that pals. You will be amazed!!!!!! I have been TNCC and ENPC since the begining of time trust me it's worth the cash ans frustration

lost in boston :yelclap:

lisa bear rn · Aug 19, 2005

John, absolutely. The tncc will give you more than even acls and enpc will give you more that pals. You will be amazed!!!!!! I have been TNCC and ENPC since the begining of time trust me it's worth the cash ans frustration
lost in boston :yelclap:

TNCC will help some with assessing a trauma patient, think of it like ACLS with a trauma twist. But definately get your CEN if you plan on making ER nursing a career, most hospitals will give you a raise for being certified, but in my area, hospitals do not pay more for TNCC, just CEN. GOOD LUCK!

MassED, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2005

I'm about to take the TNCC course. I was wondering if it is even worth the trip? what does everyone think?

I just got back yesterday from TNCC. Really enjoyed it. It reinforces what I already do, but the systematic approach will make sure nothing is missed. Will only add some calm to the chaos, I think. It will also help me grill the EMS personnel a bit better =)

Trauma Columnist · Aug 27, 2005

TNCC is very worthwhile. In Illinois, we also have Trauma Nurse Specialist which is a 120 hour course (yes, you read that as 120 hours). You then get a license from the state. It is the gold standard for Illinois - however, it is only in Illinois (and maybe one other state, but I'm not sure). I'm actually going to an ENPC Instructors course this morning.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2005

besides its a cute little course and you usually get paid for it

KatieBell · Oct 19, 2005

As a traveler, TNCC is often asked for. I worked at a Level one that offerred both TNCC and their own "Trauma Stabilization" class. Trauma Stab. was required, so I took it. Now, I'm taking TNCC next month- so that it is recognized by all those hospitals that keep saying, well surely you have TNCC... I felt a little stupid saying, well, no actually, I have a trauma stabilization course that you have not really heard of!

Just curious- from the comments, it seems the class is very "user friendly" and non threatening. Anyone have a different experience??