In the dynamic world of healthcare, emergencies demand rapid, decisive action. Nowhere is this more evident than in trauma nursing, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death. Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification equips nurses with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in high-pressure environments. 

TNCC certification is a rigorous training program the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) developed to enhance nurses' ability to provide expert care to trauma patients. The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing emergency nursing practice, advocacy, and leadership. Founded in 1970, the ENA represents over 50,000 emergency nurses from across the United States and around the world. The organization is committed to promoting excellence in emergency nursing through education, research, and standards of practice.

One of the critical roles of the ENA is the development and implementation of nursing certification programs, including TNCC. These certification programs are designed to enhance nurses' knowledge, skills, and competencies in specific areas of emergency nursing practice. The ENA’s TNCC course covers various topics, including trauma assessment, airway management, spinal immobilization, shock management, and trauma team dynamics. Through interactive lectures, skill stations, and simulation scenarios, TNCC certification arms nurses with the tools they need to deliver optimal care in emergencies. Course prerequisites are 1) participants must be an RN and possess a current unrestricted nursing license to receive verification or 2) LPNs and paramedics are eligible to attend all portions of the course except for the written and psychomotor evaluations. For this reason, they do not receive verification but are awarded contact hours.

Here are just some of the things that the Trauma Nursing Core Course will teach you:

• Comprehensive Trauma Assessment: One of the cornerstones of TNCC certification is the comprehensive trauma assessment. Nurses learn systematic approaches to quickly assess and prioritize trauma patients based on the severity of their injuries. From conducting primary and secondary surveys to identifying life-threatening injuries, TNCC certification ensures that nurses are adept at quickly identifying and responding to critical patient needs. This thorough assessment process is essential for effectively triaging patients in chaotic field environments.

• Advanced Life Support Skills: TNCC certification goes beyond basic nursing skills to train nurses in advanced life support techniques explicitly tailored for trauma patients. Nurses learn advanced airway management techniques, including endotracheal intubation and ventilation support. They also receive training in vascular access, fluid resuscitation, and medication administration to stabilize critically injured patients. These skills are invaluable in the field, where nurses often work alongside paramedics and physicians to deliver life-saving interventions.

• Team Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication and collaboration are essential components of successful trauma care. TNCC certification emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication among healthcare providers in high-stress environments. Nurses learn strategies for clear and concise communication during trauma resuscitations, ensuring that critical information is relayed accurately and efficiently. Additionally, TNCC training includes simulation scenarios that simulate real-life trauma team dynamics, allowing nurses to practice working collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team.

• Trauma-Specific Interventions: TNCC certification equips nurses with trauma-specific interventions to address a wide range of injuries commonly encountered in the field. From managing traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries to controlling hemorrhage and stabilizing fractures, nurses learn evidence-based interventions to optimize patient outcomes. This specialized training prepares nurses to address the unique challenges posed by traumatic injuries, including the need for rapid assessment and intervention in life-threatening situations.

• Psychosocial Support for Patients and Families: Trauma nursing extends beyond physical care to encompass emotional and psychosocial support for patients and their families. TNCC certification emphasizes the importance of providing compassionate care to trauma patients during times of crisis. Nurses learn strategies for communicating effectively with patients and families, addressing their concerns, and providing reassurance during traumatic events. This holistic approach to trauma care helps patients and families cope with the emotional impact of their injuries and promotes healing and recovery.

• Continuing Education and Recertification: TNCC certification is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment to professional development. To maintain their TNCC certification, nurses must participate in continuing education activities and recertify every four years. This ensures that nurses stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in trauma nursing and maintain proficiency in essential skills. Recertification also provides an opportunity for nurses to reflect on their practice and identify areas for growth and improvement.

ACLS Academy is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA) Aligned Training Center. We have three convenient locations in Massachusetts – Quincy, Bridgewater, and Newton Center. ACLS Academy’s TNCC course is taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession and includes: 

• Virtual learning modules, including avatar-based simulation

• Interactive teaching strategies

• Electronic, open-book testing - No more test anxiety!

• Updated evidence-based provider manual

• One and a half-day course

• 18.25 contact hours of CNE

Course Format

• Textbook: The latest edition of the TNCC Trauma Nursing Core Course Provider Manual includes evidence-based content developed by trauma emergency experts. The 24-chapter, comprehensive manual compiles current trauma nursing standards and is a valuable resource for future reference.

• Online learning: Online modules with links to additional information are provided before the course date to let you learn at your own pace, apply what you know, receive immediate feedback, and refer back to information at any time. The modules are a complete case study process — taking you through an entire sequence of care.

• Live simulation: TNCC includes hands-on training using both an individual and team approach.  Trauma nursing process psychomotor skills stations offer you the opportunity to practice trauma patient assessments and interventions in a controlled environment.

• Instructor-led classroom discussions and skill stations: TNCC is a one-and-a-half-day intensive course taught by expert instructors.

Sign up for an upcoming TNCC here.

Are you looking for additional AHA certifications? ACLS Academy provides high-quality courses, all taught by instructors practicing in the medical profession for ACLS, TNCC, BLS, ENPC, NRP, PALS, Bloodborne Pathogen, HeartSaver CPR/AED, First Aid, and Instructor Courses. Please browse our catalog of courses.