Trauma Nurse

What Does a Trauma Nurse Do?

A trauma nurse specializes in caring for patients who are in a state of emergency. This means that the trauma nurse is especially equipped to handle urgent medical situations in which a diagnosis has not been made and the causes of injury or disease are not yet known. Trauma nurses often work in emergency rooms and other chaotic environments. A typical task assigned to a trauma nurse is the processing of patients in an emergency room setting. They also run into a high degree of stressful situations and are often called upon to coordinate with doctors, family members, and other nurses. Trauma nurses work long, and sometimes odd hours. They also must become quickly accustomed to situations in which patients are severely and horrifically injured. However, those looking for a fast-paced career in which saving lives is a daily occurrence, then becoming a trauma nurse may be just the thing for you.

How Can I Become a Trauma Nurse?

Becoming a trauma nurse is relatively simple, and it does not differ very much, at least in training, from other nursing careers. For one, potential trauma nurses are Registered Nurses and must pass the National Council Licensure Examination. Trauma nurses usually specialize in specific areas of expertise, like emergency care, and they may obtain additional certifications in areas like injury prevention. In terms of education and training, trauma nurses must receive a mix of formal schooling and clinical experience before they can expect to be established in the field. There are several degree programs that trauma nurses seek, among them being a four-year bachelor's degree, a two-year associate's degree, or a hospital diploma. There are several distance learning, accredited programs online that enable those who desire more flexibility to still pursue their dreams. Whatever you choose, make sure that the program you select has all the necessary components that will guide you straight into the career of trauma nursing. This means the program must encompass rigorous preparation for exams and hands-on hospital experience.

What Is the Career and Salary Outlook for a Trauma Nurse?

According to Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the career outlook for trauma nurses is positive. From 2006 to 2016, the field is expected to grow by about 23%, a figure that is much higher than most fields. The average salary of a trauma nurse stands at about $60,000 a year, although the salary does vary widely from city to city and from hospital to hospital. The salary also depends on other key factors like level of education, experience, industry, and employer. In any case, you can be sure that entering the field of trauma nursing is going to be an exciting career that leaves open room for advancement. Based on that current statistics and projections, this career path will no doubt offer solid, reliable job security for years to come. What's more, trauma nursing is a special field that not only will provide for you financial well being. More than that, the rewards of saving lives every day are a priceless dividend reaped in and of itself.