Trauma Nurse

Provide fast and accurate care for patients in emergency situations.
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Quick Stats

Very Good

Salary Range
$44,000 – $95,000

Data from U.S. Department of Labor

What do Trauma Nurses do?

If you watch primetime drama on television, then you’ve probably seen countless episodes involving plane crashes, automobile accidents, fire victims, or shooting injuries. While real life is nothing like primetime drama, the job of a Trauma Nurse might be an exception. As a Trauma Nurse, you are often the first person who comes into contact with an injured patient and evaluates their situation.

This fast-paced and highly stressful job takes place in a hospital emergency room, an emergency response mobile unit, or even with an airborne response team. Regardless of where you are though, the first order of business is to instigate triage. That means you prioritize.

Often, your patients show up in groups following a car accident or other tragic event. While those with minor injuries are generally routed to another department, you have to make quick decisions about those wheeled into your unit. Patients who aren’t breathing or experiencing massive blood loss require fast attention, and you are ready.

You quickly assess the patient, jot down notes, and inform the Doctor about your findings. You anticipate and prepare any equipment that might be needed, such as scalpels, sutures, heart monitors, or intravenous drips.

A career as a Trauma Nurse requires a unique skill set. In addition to good decision-making skills, the ability to delegate and prioritize, and an unflappable calm, you also need outstanding communication skills, a caring demeanor, and bullet-proof emotions…at least while on the job.

Should I be a Trauma Nurse?


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