TNCC as a student nurse?

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 23, 2013

Here's my thoughts on this matter (though I've never taken TNCC, but I've taken a couple other trauma courses). If you've never taken a trauma course before, and you're looking for a position in the ED, TNCC is probably a good course for you to take. If you've taken PHTLS, you'll probably be fairly bored during the course as it's apparently fairly basic stuff. Being that you'll be almost finished with school, you'll probably do just fine. You'll get some good knowledge out of it and you'll hopefully gain an appreciation for what EMS does and the different roles they have, but you won't be able to use it for continuing education because you're still in school.

As far as difficulty is concerned, I would expect that TNCC will be about as difficult as ACLS is, as long as you do the reading and have some familiarity with whatever procedures/skills they'll introduce you to in the course.

It's really up to you if you want to take the course during spring break or hold off until after you graduate, or even if you want to take the course at all.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 23, 2013

Only RNs can earn the credential as per the ENA ( emergency nurses association) that administers the course:

Provider Course Participants
The TNCC may be officially attended by registered nurses (RN's). Other health care providers working in the emergency care setting, may attend the course and receive contact hours, but not the 4 year verification status. In order to maximize success in the TNCC (Provider), it is recommended that the participant have at least six months of clinical nursing experience in an emergency care setting. It is assumed that the course participant possesses generic nursing knowledge, has an understanding of emergency care terminology, and has familiarity with standard emergency equipment.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

TNCC is an intense course about Trauma. You need to have a working knowledge about ED nursing. Beachy is right.....This is not a course that allows students to become certified.

Also as an LPN can I get the TNCC credentials if I pass the course or will it be just for continuing education credits? Money is not an issue FYI.

You may pay and "audit" the course but it officially doesn't count. My suggestion is that you wait for some advanced knowledge for the ED before attempting this course. They will count as CEU which you won't need until your first license renewal...but you will not be able to use the credentials.

I will be tough to get through it without ED/emergency medicine experience but if you are up to the challenge...go for it.

edmia, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

As far as difficulty is concerned I would expect that TNCC will be about as difficult as ACLS [/quote']
No. TNCC is not as easy as ACLS and really if little value unless you are working in a trauma setting. Students can take the course but not get certified and it is expensive. It's really a specialty certification and many ED nurses take it in preparation for the CEN.
I loved the course and found the exam challenging. Definitely doable but ED experience is needed to really get the content. Clinical experience makes the certification valuable.
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classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 23, 2013

TNCC is for licensed RN's only

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2013

That "six months experience in clinical nursing experience in an emergency setting" does not include any time you spend there as a student. They mean (and should say, in my opinion), "... as a registered nurse."

Take it after you get these six months in, and your employer will pay for it and may even give you paid time off!

SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2013

I took the TNCC as a new soldier and a new nurse. The 6 months of experience in an ER was waived due to the necessity that all of us become trained in emergency medicine.

I was able to integrate and process the information much easier than many of my comrades due to my experience as an EMT-B, but it was still difficult, especially without any clinical experience as a nurse. Wait to take this course as it really is specific to a particular area of nursing and isn't just a "resume fluffer".

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 24, 2013

That "six months experience in clinical nursing experience in an emergency setting" does not include any time you spend there as a student. They mean (and should say, in my opinion), "... as a registered nurse."

Take it after you get these six months in, and your employer will pay for it and may even give you paid time off!

Given a choice between taking it "now" and taking it "later" when you're an RN, I'd say to take it later because you can use it for CEU's once you have your license. I should have stated that more clearly above. Also, if your ED employer needs you to have the cert, they'll often pay for you to attend the course.

While I'm at it, I should qualify my statement about "easy." I have a very strong educational background in dealing with and evaluating (primarily) orthopedic trauma. I'm no stranger to much of the material. While there's still stuff to learn, I would expect to incorporate the material very rapidly into what I know how to do already.

Will I take TNCC? Probably eventually. I have other educational goals in mind before I do it though.

Dranger · Dec 24, 2013

Whats up with all these posts about students wanting to get ALCS, PALS and now TNCC. Chill...most of the info won't be relevant since you have 0 experience and I've had hiring managers tell me its just a waste of time. All my certs were paid by my hospital...

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2013

It's the competitive workplace....they are looking for that edge.

ER(notso)n00b, ASN, RN · Dec 24, 2013

Whats up with all these posts about students wanting to get ALCS, PALS and now TNCC. Chill...most of the info won't be relevant since you have 0 experience and I've had hiring managers tell me its just a waste of time. All my certs were paid by my hospital...

I've heard from several CC hiring managers that it shows initiative and makes you stand out from the bunch. ACLS is pretty much mandatory if you want to apply for ED or ICU where I live. The ED I will be working at is going to put me through BART and TNCC as part of the orientation, but without ACLS and PALS my resume wouldn't have made it past the first pile.