As a trauma nurse, you will work with medical staff to stabilize patients suffering from acute injuries. The day might include administering CPR, giving fluids, blood products and emergency medications, all while reassuring patients’ families. The position requires a calm demeanor in high-stress environments and the ability to think on your feet. You will help patients with severe injuries from:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Worksite accidents
- Disasters
- Burns
- Gunshot or stab wounds
- Assault
- Physical or emotional abuse
You will be qualified to practice in level 1, 2 or 3 trauma centers, emergency transport and critical care units.
The Path to Become a Trauma ICU RN
Trauma nursing is one of the most intense, fast-paced professions in health care. If you are ready to take on this rewarding and lucrative career, here is the path for getting there.
Complete a Nursing Program
The first step to becoming an ICU RN is the completion of a nursing program. You can graduate from a two-year associate degree program, a three-year hospital-based diploma program or a four-year university program leading to a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Pass the NCLEX
Next, you must sit for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX is a national examination for licensing nurses in the United States and Canada. Upon passage of this exam, you may apply for your first nursing job.
Begin Nursing
Career doors tend to open further for nurses who possess a bachelor’s degree and during the senior year, programs typically offer a specialty rotation of the student’s choice. This rotation is the perfect time to get a sampling of trauma and see if you are the right fit.
Trauma Nursing Certification
Attainment of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) shows that you have mastered specific knowledge and skills and are committed to excellence. To be eligible for the trauma certification exam, you will need:
- A current, unlimited RN license in the U.S. or its territories
- Two years of trauma nursing practice with an average of 1,000 practice hours per year in trauma nursing
- Twenty to 30 hours of trauma-specific coursework across the trauma continuum
There are specialty certifications available for you to advance your nursing career in trauma. Depending on your interests and the needs of the unit in which you work, you might consider:
- Emergency Pediatric Course (ENPC)
- Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)
- Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN)
Nursing in Palo Alto, California
If you consider a career as a trauma ICU RN, Silicon Valley is a great place to work. Great restaurants, shopping and scenery await you. The average salary for a trauma nurse in Palo Alto, California, is $81,380. The demand for RNs is high, including multiple job opportunities for trauma nurses. An aging U.S. population with increasingly complex medical needs is driving a growing demand for health care services and emergency needs.
Power Personnel currently has openings for trauma nurses in Palo Alto, California. Let the pros at Power Personnel help you land a job as a trauma nurse in California.
