Discussion

Trauma Nursing

Apr 19, 200719 yr

I am sure that this has been addressed but it gets hard to go through and read through every post. So trauma nursing seems to be the only field of nursing i want to get into... so i was wondering what the best path is to accomplish that... thanks!:monkeydance:

Apr 19, 200719 yr

I started out as an extern on the trauma nursing unit at a level one trauma center. From there, I approached the nurse manager in the Surgical ICU expressed my interest in her unit to extern. I was hired as an Trauma RN after I graduated. I love it. We see just about everything and I learn something new everyday. Working as an extern allowed me to participate in many different situations. It is a pathway in which has proven successful for me. Hope this helps.

good luck

Apr 19, 200719 yr

I am no longer working in trauma, but here is how I got started: I went to a job fair that the local trauma I hospital was holding. I went up to one of the trauma managers, introduced myself, and let her know how interested I was in working in the specialty. It paid off- I got the job 2 weeks later. Trauma nursing seems to attract type A personalities, so be proactive and assertive in your job search. Let them know how badly you want it, and why. It worked for me.

Apr 19, 200719 yr

Experts

Hi there. I worked at a level one trauma center for 10 years and absolutely loved it! It is the best. Type A folks do best there. I got my job in the ER with two years of nursing experience (mostly in ICU). With the nursing shortage, many trauma centers offer opportunities for new grads. Just ensure you get adequate orientation: 16 weeks is usual.

Apr 20, 200719 yr

If you want trauma I seek out a position in any Metro Level I trauma center. Even with some nursing expertience you'll soon learn you have MUCH to learn.

Apr 21, 200719 yr

YEP trauma center are the best, even if the canadian version have less excietement then yours. 6 years now in one of the busiest and love ittttttttttttt!! At first i didn't know anything about trauma so i did many course:

This one is mostly for flight nurse but look very interesting( i'm taking it may)

http://www.astna.org/TNATC.html

This one is like the ATLS but for nurse, give very good basic to start from

http://www.ena.org/catn_enpc_tncc/tncc/

this one work more on advanced concept. The "why" behind things

http://www.ena.org/catn_enpc_tncc/catn/

THis one is for MD but in some place you can audit it. It is very fun and instructive

http://www.facs.org/trauma/atls/index.html