How do you become a TCRN? What advice do you have for a nurse preparing for the course?

TCRN is a certification, not a course. You just need to take a test and the only prerequisite is an active nursing license. Probably a good idea to go through TNCC or something similar first. There are also a lot of good study guides out there. Check out the BCEN website for more details.

Work in a level 1 or 2 trauma center in the ED. They will want you to obtain your TNCC within 6-12 months and may have certified TNCC instructors there at their campus. Just remember you will take care of non emergent and non trauma but emergency patients as well. In addition you will probably rotate the trauma nurse role with other ED RNs. It is an adrenaline high but can also be emotionally taxing so just be prepared to see and take care of surreal patients. Good Luck!

I received my TCRN through the hospital i worked at that was one of the requirements when i was hired on into there trauma unit. To help you with it get a good book read it and study study study. really it is a fairly easy class to pass but go prepared for anything just as if you were in a trauma unit. you never know what is coming in through the doors.

for RN's at least a AAS in Nursing or BSN and find an MSN in Nursing Informatics

This is a a indicator of a expert level in trauma care. You should have experience as a trauma nurse as well as all the trauma classes, PCAR, TCAR, TNCC, ACTN, ATLS.

You have to encourage the the nurse to persue her dream and he or she will be able to make it.

Have some familiarity with trauma nursing. Take ATCN or TNCC then take the TCRN exam. But remember, if your board certified in a specialty that means you should have some solid knowledge about what your specializing in.