How to Become a Trauma Nurse
Trauma nurses treat patients during or after accidents, illnesses, or injuries. The steps to become a trauma nurse include education, testing, and licensing, after which trauma nurses can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a trauma nurse, and where to start.
Become a Trauma Nurse in 6 Steps
To become a trauma nurse, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue higher education and certification in a specialty.
4
Apply for Trauma Nurse Jobs
Once a new RN has a valid license, they may apply for trauma nurse jobs in the state of their licensure, and many trauma nurse employers are happy to hire new graduates.
5
Earn Trauma Nurse Certification
After some bedside experience, trauma nurses may pursue specialty certification in their field through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), which offers several certifications:
- Certified Burn Registered Nurse (CBRN)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)
- Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN)
- Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN)
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
While not required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Trauma Nurses
Trauma nurses may work as RNs, or they may pursue advanced degrees, like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). While most positions don’t require high-level degrees, they may offer higher compensation and more opportunities for professional advancement.
Associate Degree in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN, is the quickest option to become a trauma nurse with no previous university education. ADN degrees can take 18 months to two years to complete and may require some prerequisites before an application can be accepted.
Time to Complete
18 months to 2 years
Clinical Hours
190 to 900*
Pros
- Earn a nursing degree in less than two years
- Less competitive than a BSN
- Lower cost than a BSN
Cons
- May limit job opportunities compared to a BSN
- Must obtain a BSN before pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Central New Mexico Community College, Teaching and Learning in Nursing
Trauma nurses with an ADN may receive lower pay and may not have their first choice of positions compared to those with a BSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing gives future trauma nurses a well-rounded education experience. Typically done over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
Clinical Hours
160 to 750*
Pros
- More likely to pass NCLEX on the first attempt (82.32% with a BSN vs. 77.91% with an ADN)
- Easier to find work in highly specialized environments like gerontology or neonatology
- Higher salary than an ADN
Cons
- Takes longer to complete than an ADN
- More competitive than an ADN
- More expensive than an ADN
*Varies depending on institution
Sources: Forbes Advisor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, National Council of State Boards of Nursing
A BSN prepares future trauma nurses to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing, or MSN, can be earned in two years, but many students continue to work throughout the program, which increases time to completion.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of education a nurse can achieve. This program takes longer than an MSN but may offer higher salaries and more opportunities.
Trauma Nurse Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Trauma nurses must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want to see proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Some trauma nurse positions require certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Additionally, trauma nurses may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing.
Where Do Trauma Nurses Work?
Trauma nurses can find employment in a wide range of settings. These may include:
- Emergency rooms
- Urgent care facilities
- Trauma units
- Intensive care units (ICUs)
- Flight crews
FAQs: How to Become a Trauma Nurse
1. What education is needed to become a trauma nurse?
Trauma nurses must graduate with a nursing degree from an accredited college or university. They can pursue a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. How many years does it take to become a trauma nurse?
The time it takes to become a trauma nurse depends on which degree one pursues, but may take anywhere from two to four years for an undergraduate degree.
3. What are the steps to become a trauma nurse?
To become a trauma nurse, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply to trauma nurse positions and pursue specialty certification and higher education.
4. How much do trauma nurses make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), trauma nurses earn an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals about $94,480 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
