tncc prep,need help!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 4, 2017

TNCC does take a lot of prep; it is not an easy course where you can just wing it, so it's great that you are starting now! Some people don't crack the book until day 1 of the course, which leaves them in an unenviable position. Start by getting the online modules done, then move to your book. If you feel confident about some of the chapter topics, go to the chapter summary and see if it sounds familiar. If not, work your way through the chapter. The online modules will not be covered in class, but you are still responsible for knowing that material for testing purposes. The lectures in the class do a great job of hitting the high points and covering vital information. If you are a note taker, I would recommend taking good notes. One of the downloads from the precourse modules is a TNCC study guide - definitely use that during the lectures! It will help you.

Another important part that you want to review is the trauma nursing process (TNP) station. I think it's on page 347 of your book; look through that section. Understand the difference between double star and single star items in the TNP station. I would recommend reading chapter 5 (initial assessment) before you look at the TNP station information; chapter 5 explains each step of the TNP.

Are you required to take TNCC this soon in your ER career? And by the way, it is normal for even an experienced nurse to feel slow and silly when new to the ER. You are 6 weeks in! Give yourself some space to learn, and make sure you are getting constructive feedback from your preceptor and/or ED educator.

Good luck!!!

JKL33 · Dec 4, 2017

Are you required to take TNCC this soon in your ER career?

That was going to be my question as well. That a lot for only being a couple of months in. I wish that the need for "bodies who can do any role" wouldn't outweigh the idea of a new ED nurse getting a very solid understanding of the basic role. It's not easy even with having several years' nursing experience.

lainaa · Dec 4, 2017

Yes, at my hospital they are requiring TNCC within the 1st year and I was informed from my educator that I have until April of next year to get the certification but the April class is full. My only other option was to take it this January. Thank you for you advice! This really helps. I have not received my TNCC book yet from my education office so I bought a used TNCC book (most recent edition) in the mean time. I will definitely dive into the book once it arrives tomorrow.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 4, 2017

Yes, at my hospital they are requiring TNCC within the 1st year and I was informed from my educator that I have until April of next year to get the certification but the April class is full. My only other option was to take it this January. Thank you for you advice! This really helps. I have not received my TNCC book yet from my education office so I bought a used TNCC book (most recent edition) in the mean time. I will definitely dive into the book once it arrives tomorrow.

Yes, make sure you are studying the 7th edition!! I would also be all over the education department, I send out notices a month prior to our classes and have books available for pickup immediately. This is not really a course where the book is optional! Glad you were able to find a copy, hope you didn't pay a fortune for it.