Where can I get some more of this? TNCC rocks!!

3 I have been a nurse for about 18 months. I work in Long Term Care (LTC), my dream is to be an ER nurse, but the job market stinks and I'm not ready yet...so here's my story:

I wanted to make myself more marketable so I took ACLS and then, a few months, ago I took TNCC, the instructors didn't expect me to pass because I have no acute care experience, but I DID! Still didn't get an ER job, but, wow, before that class I flet like I could use another 2-5 years of nursing school. I didn't understand what was going on with my residents often. TNCC pulled nursing school together for me. I want more.

Here's my cool story: I work the overnight shift and normally it's a cake job, I pass a couple pills at midnight and about 20 meds at 6 am and between that time, I just do piddly stuff, or round with the CNA's. But when another nursing station needs an RN, I go.

A few nights ago, I was called to assess a resident after a fall, resident had fallen off the bed and hit his/her ribs on the trash can. I knew something wasn't right from the way he/she was holding his/her side and breathing, also, initially his/her sats were 83%. He/she has COPD and advanced dememtia, a hard patient to assess, but we put the resident on their O2 and called the doc, I used my S-BAR, and voiced my suspician that, even though it was unlikely, I suspected a pneumothorax. The doc stated that he also would be suprised if it was a pneumothorax, as resident only fell off the bed, but ordered a pain med.

I had the TMA take vitals Q15 minutes and report any changes immediately. I looked for a 14 gauge IV needle, which we don't have, I was prepared. Yup, resident left for ER shortly, with pneumothorax. While I was sad that the resident was hurt, I was stoked that I had recognized something seriously wrong, even though it was subtle. Woot! Woot!

I know that TNCC changed me as a nurse for the better; I can't say enough good about it. Where can I get some more good learning? What other classes can I take to sharpen my assessment/intervention skills? I still feel like I could use another 1-3 years of nursing school.

Thanks guys!
I definitely need something like TNCC. I also work LTC, and I nearly have panic attacks before work at the thought that something will go wrong and I won't know what to do!!! BTW, what does TNCC stand for? I heard ACLS is ridiculously hard, but I still want to take it to make myself more marketable. I was searching for a class, but that's not as easy as just perusing the AHA website - couldn't find anything!

Sorry, TNCC stands for Trauma Nursing Core Course (or Curriculum (sp?)), you can usually find a course through the Emergency Nurse Association, I think you just have to google it and then look for classes in your state. ACLS is hard, but if you study cardiac rhythms beforehand, and take a pre-course, you should be okay. Just read the books, okay? You can do it. I would look for a class through a local hospital, the ones in our area have ACLS about every six months. Both classes are hard, but very helpful.

Great call OP, nice to walk on air, isn't it?

The CATN (Course in Advanced Trauma Nursing) is also a great course. It is heavily pathophysiology based but really pulls together important concepts and info.About the Course

Thank-you AirforceRN, I'm gonna try to go to that one. Such interesting stuff. It looks like I'll really have to hit the books before that class.I envy your military experience, but I'm a mom and couldn't possibly leave my kids. Thanks so much for serving, I know you must be making/have made sacrafices, thanks.

Awesome job! I wanted to sign up for TNCC in my area but was turned away because I do not work in the ER. After your story I'm going to look into it again with perhaps a different company.

congrats on the wise call!tncc is fun and if you enjoyed it that much i highly recommend taking an emt course. the time investment in becoming an emergency medical technician will only make you a better rn. as most nursing schools teach almost zero emergency information (but as soon as you become a rn everyone thinks you have all the answers) an emt cert will enhance all of your medical skills (but don't just earn the cert - find a local ambulance and volunteer).good luck!

I'm starting the TNCC course in 3 weeks...got the books already and have most of it read. I'm really nervous. I have no ER experience but I do work on an acute surgical floor for the past several months. Any advice girls/guys? Thanks!

Quote from LTC RN jcThank-you AirforceRN, I'm gonna try to go to that one. Such interesting stuff. It looks like I'll really have to hit the books before that class.I envy your military experience, but I'm a mom and couldn't possibly leave my kids. Thanks so much for serving, I know you must be making/have made sacrafices, thanks.

Just passed my TNCC course beautifully! It was an awesome course and I'd recommend it to any RN out there!

What a great thread! I just passed my ACLS and wow, I felt s. uper-confident about code situations afterwards. I only wish I had done the course earlier on in my career. After having read your postings about the TNCC, I'm definitely going to enrol. I work in general surgery, but hey, it all helps.