Working as a trauma nurse can be a very fulfilling career. If you want to help people who have been involved in tragic accidents, then you may be the perfect fit for this type of career. A trauma nurse typically works in the emergency room of a hospital. He or she treats victims of abuse and accidents. The individual in the emergency room requires immediate care and medical attention. The nurse may be the first one who treats the individual. The nurse has incredible responsibility in ensuring that the individual is receiving all of the care that he or she needs. If an individual experiences any new side effects, it is the job of the nurse to notify the doctor. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become a trauma nurse?” When you want to become a trauma nurse, it is important for you to obtain the necessary educational background.
What’s it like to be a trauma nurse?
When you are a trauma nurse, you are the first one to administer care to the patients who enter the emergency room. You may need to administer medication to soothe the pain that a patient feels. It may also be your job to provide the appropriate medical garments and dressings to the abrasions that a patient has. If a patient is experiencing a high level of stress or pain, then you may need to get the attention of a doctor. When you become a trauma nurse, you should expect to work odd hours. You may need to work extended hours during holidays. You may also need to work late hours if you have been treating a specific patient who requires extended care.
Education Requirements
To become a trauma nurse, you should obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It is important for you to maintain good grades throughout college. Upon completion of required courses, you will need to apply to various nursing programs. You will need to apply to nursing programs and obtain your certificate to practice as a nurse. You may also need to take a state-administered test upon your graduation from a nursing program. You should research all of the requirements that your state has for becoming a trauma nurse. It is important for you to learn about the licenses that are required to practice as this type of specialized nurse.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the BLS, the average salary of a trauma nurse is about $65,000 a year. When you want to become a trauma nurse, it is important to apply for open positions at hospitals. You will also need to look for positions in clinics and organizations. Donating your time to an organization can be a valuable way to get your foot in the door at a hospital. Doctors will also get to know you in the community, and you may be offered a position in a private practice. It is important for you to network as much as possible with other established medical professionals. This will allow you to have a number of opportunities open to you upon your graduation from a nursing program. You can also work with the career services department of a nursing program in order to find out about other open opportunities in the community.
References
1. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm
2. http://www.ehow.com/how_5031480_become-trauma-nurse.html