As a registered nurse, your dedication to patient care is invaluable. Your current role in providing comprehensive care in various health settings undeniably contributes significantly to the healthcare ecosystem. However, it’s vital to ensure that your skills and knowledge are always up-to-date in a field that constantly evolves with new findings, treatments, and procedures. One way to elevate your nursing expertise and open new career advancement doors is by becoming a Board Certified Emergency Nurse (BCEN) Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).
What is a TCRN Certification?
The Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) certification is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). It’s an advanced-level certification designed for nurses wishing to validate their trauma care expertise.
TCRN certification covers the entire spectrum of trauma care: clinical practice in trauma, the continuum of trauma care (from the pre-hospital phase to rehabilitation), trauma systems, and professional issues related to trauma care. This comprehensive knowledge and skill set ensures that TCRN-certified nurses can provide trauma patients with the highest level of care.
Here are some quick trauma nursing facts from Zippia:
- There are currently 550K+ trauma nurses currently employed in the U.S.
- 78.5% of all trauma nurses are women
- The average trauma nurse age is 43 years old
TCRN Exam Details
You need a current unrestricted RN license and a recommended 1,000 practice hours in trauma nursing to qualify for this certification. The exam itself covers six subject areas:
- Clinical Practice: Extremity and Wound
- Clinical Practice: Head and Neck
- Clinical Practice: Special Considerations
- Clinical Practice: Trunk
- Continuum of Care for Trauma
- Professional Issues
Benefits of Becoming a TCRN-Certified Nurse Skill Enhancement
The process of preparing for the TCRN certification expands your knowledge and skills beyond what’s typically covered in standard nursing education. You’ll delve deeper into trauma care, trauma systems, and related professional issues, equipping you with the ability to provide advanced levels of care.
Career Advancement
Many employers prioritize hiring and promoting certified professionals because it’s an indication of their dedication and expertise in a specific field. Obtaining a TCRN certification could be your ticket to a higher role or specialty area within nursing.
Improved Patient Outcomes
Multiple studies suggest that certified nurses have a positive impact on patient outcomes. Patients treated by nurses with advanced certifications tend to have lower mortality rates and higher satisfaction levels.
TCRN Certification and Salary: What’s the Average?
Becoming a TCRN can also have financial benefits. While the salary of a registered nurse varies depending on factors like location, experience, and specialty, it’s clear that holding a TCRN certification can lead to a substantial increase in income.
According to ZipRecruiter, the national average for a trauma nurse’s salary in 2023 is $134,966. For a TCRN-certified nurse, the average salary was typically 10-15% higher, depending on location and the nurse’s level of experience.
Salaries can vary based on numerous factors, including geographical location, years of experience, and the specific institution of employment.
Becoming a TCRN-certified nurse is an investment in yourself, your career, and, ultimately, in the quality of care you provide to your patients. It’s a testament to your professional growth, allowing you to validate and elevate your expertise, improve patient outcomes, and increase your earning potential.
In an ever-evolving field like nursing, staying ahead is essential. Pursuing a TCRN certification equips you with the tools to meet the demands of trauma care, enhancing your career and the lives of the patients you care for.
