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What advice could you give me to achieve my goal of becoming a trauma nurse. #spring23
How was it getting to where you are now, Were the work hours hard?
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Sharon’s Answer
Get your Registered Nurse and while in school emphasize the area you are interested in. You could also work as a tech in the Emergency department while you are in school and this would give you a better sense of the job as well as experience that would help you transition into a Trauma RN. Good luck, it will be an exciting and rewarding career!
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Sarah’s Answer
I highly recommend gaining confidence in a critical care environment before diving into trauma specialization. Trauma nursing is essentially ICU nursing with an emphasis on trauma, complete with all the necessary certifications. If you're new to the nursing field, it's a great idea to begin on a Med-Surg unit or in a Skilled Nursing setting to sharpen your abilities and improve your time management. After that, you can transition to a more critical care setting (such as Pre-op/PACU, ICU, ED, etc.) and dedicate at least two years to familiarizing yourself with the care of critically ill patients.
Nursing can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Depending on the area you choose, schedules can differ significantly. You'll likely discover that most hospital shifts are 12 hours long, but full-time only requires three days a week!
I once worked closely with a travel nurse who specialized in trauma nursing who opted to leave after three years due to its emotional demands. You'll often care for kind, ordinary individuals who have endured terrible circumstances (imagine a car accident where children die, but the mother survives and becomes your patient. Gaining experience in critical care first will better equip you to handle such situations.
Trauma nurses are a unique and vital part of the nursing community, providing guidance and support to people during their darkest hours. I wish you all the best on your journey!
Nursing can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Depending on the area you choose, schedules can differ significantly. You'll likely discover that most hospital shifts are 12 hours long, but full-time only requires three days a week!
I once worked closely with a travel nurse who specialized in trauma nursing who opted to leave after three years due to its emotional demands. You'll often care for kind, ordinary individuals who have endured terrible circumstances (imagine a car accident where children die, but the mother survives and becomes your patient. Gaining experience in critical care first will better equip you to handle such situations.
Trauma nurses are a unique and vital part of the nursing community, providing guidance and support to people during their darkest hours. I wish you all the best on your journey!
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
That is a great question. I suggest you start by working really hard in all of your current studies, especially your science courses - they are the foundation for what you will learn in college. Get the basics down now and take every opportunity to learn more. Talk with as many trauma nurses as possible to learn more about the profession and how they achieved their goals. Next search for good schools that have trauma or emergency nurse programs. There are so many areas you can work in as a trauma nurse - ER, ICU, flight Nurse, etc. You will need to obtain your RN, preferably BSN and then you can pursue higher degrees after that!
Blessings to you on your journey to becoming an AMAZING trauma NURSE!!
Nicole
Blessings to you on your journey to becoming an AMAZING trauma NURSE!!
Nicole