Trauma Nurse Career Overview

Trauma nurses stand on the front lines of emergency care, serving as first responders to critically injured patients. They work closely with emergency department physicians, trauma surgeons, and transport teams to stabilize patients and save lives.

Most trauma nurses work in emergency departments or emergency rooms (ERs), intensive care, or trauma units within hospitals. Some work in specific critical care divisions, such as cardiac, medical/surgical, and burn units. They might also be a part of a paramedic or emergency response team, including air and surface transport.

Trauma nurses in emergency departments work within a team of first responders when patients arrive with critical injuries or illnesses. They assist with diagnosis and treatment, including providing CPR and basic life support, assist physicians and surgeons, and communicate with patients and families. They also triage individuals to prioritize care when multiple patients arrive simultaneously.

Trauma nurses in the U.S. Air Force care for critically injured patients in active military settings. They may provide treatment to save a person’s limbs, stabilize and resuscitate patients, and make medical decisions that allow patients to return home after severe injury or illness.

Trauma centers are a part of a hospital’s emergency department typically reserved for the most life-threatening injuries, such as car accidents, severe burns, or gunshot wounds. Unlike an emergency room, which is equipped to handle cardiac and respiratory events, trauma centers are reserved for traumatic injuries.

Trauma nurses who thrive in this position can remain calm in high-stress situations and are prepared on the front lines of intense healthcare emergencies. If you think you may wish to pursue this career, consider the following advantages and disadvantages to becoming a trauma nurse.

Trauma nurses earn slightly more than other RNs. According to PayScale, a TNCC nurse earns an average salary of $83,260.

In general, earning certifications can increase pay significantly. A 2017 BCEN survey revealed that nurses with the certified emergency nurse credential earn roughly $1,400 more per year than those without the designation. These nurses also report higher levels of confidence in their work and satisfaction with their career achievements.

Overall, demand for RNs is strong, including a wealth of job opportunities for trauma nurses. An aging U.S. population with increasingly complex medical needs drives a growing demand for healthcare services and emergency needs.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections (BLS) indicate that employment levels for nurses should increase by 7% from 2019-29, which is faster than average for all occupations combined.

Prospective trauma nurses must earn an RN license after completing a diploma, associate-, or bachelor’s-level program that prepares candidates to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Trauma nurses should also be certified in basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, and pediatric life support. Most employers, however, require trauma nurses to be TCRNs. This credential requires two years of experience, an additional 20-30 hours of classroom training, and passing an exam.

The BLS reports a median annual wage of $75,330 for nurses. According to PayScale, the average salary of a trauma nurse is $83,260. Becoming certified can increase compensation.

It depends. In every state, nurses are guided by a scope of practice that dictates their practices and duties. Some states allow trauma nurses to intubate patients if they have received the appropriate training and/or the hospital or facility maintains a written policy relating to intubation. In some cases, intubation is an expected skill. The Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association considers intubation a standard of practice in that field.

Trauma nurses provide triage, diagnosis, and care for patients with critical injuries and illnesses. They provide immediate emergency care including CPR and first aid, prepare patients for surgical procedures, and assist in emergency surgical procedures. They also serve as liaisons between physicians and families and, when needed, law enforcement.