TNCC for a Travel Nurse

Published

Specializes in Traveling Interventional Radiology and ER Nurse.

I am a traveler who switches between IR and ER (depending on availability and my needs during the assignment hunt). I am finding that, more often than not, ER assignments are looking for a nurse who has taken the TNCC. I am a member of ENA and have a background in EMS.

I am looking for how much time I should give myself to study for the exam before I schedule a test date. Thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Pre-Op, PACU.

TNCC is a 2 day course and the written and practical portion are at the end of the 2nd day. It can be expensive. I loved it because it reminded me of my paramedic trauma practical.....has a very systematic approach.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Traveling Interventional Radiology and ER Nurse.

Perfect! Thank you! Having a similar background, do you think 4-6 weeks to study should be enough time?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Trauma, Med-Surg/Tele, LTC.

4-6 weeks I think is too much given that TNCC is a class. I like to think of TNCC as the trauma version of ACLS or PALS. It's not just a test, it's a class that the completion of would demonstrate competency in the subject. I think you're thinking more of the TCRN, which is like the CEN or CCRN, which are tests that demonstrate proficiency/expertise in the subject. For the TNCC I just gave myself a week to read through the book and the content was gone over in class.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I teach TNCC and agree that 4 to 6 weeks with your experience is probably overkill. A lot of the current class focuses more on application of concepts, so if you have a good grasp of trauma assessment (done the TNCC way in which you don't get vitals until waaaay down the algorithm, LOL) and the major presentations in blunt and penetrating trauma, you will do just fine.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion