Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) overview and content

Course overview

The Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is widely recognised as the premier trauma course for nurses and hospitals worldwide, empowering nurses with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and practical training to provide expert care for trauma patients.

Every second counts when stabilising life-threatening trauma cases – prepare yourself by taking the TNCC. After completing this course, you will be able to assess and implement evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes for your patients.

The 9th edition of the TNCC:

• Teaches a systematic approach to trauma management through interactive discussion, graphic demonstrations, hands-on skill stations and case scenarios
• Provides a four year internationally recognised verification upon successful completion of the course.

TNCC provider course

The TNCC may be officially attended by all levels of nurses however it is recommended that the participant have at least 6 months of clinical nursing experience in an emergency care or a trauma related setting. It is assumed that the course participant possesses generic nursing knowledge, has an understanding of emergency care terminology, and has familiarity with standard emergency equipment.

Included in the course are the following elements.

• A Systematic Approach of Initial Assessment – The first few minutes of trauma care are critical to achieve better patient outcomes. The A – J mnemonic and the Trauma Nursing Assessment will assist nurses in providing appropriate and early intervention.
• Hands on Training Using both an Individual and Team Approach – Psychomotor skill stations offer nurses the opportunity to practise the systematic approach of the initial assessment in real life situation. Instructors support participants to assess, critically analyse, identify interventions and evaluate effectiveness in a safe learning environment.
• 2 Day Intensive Course with Expert Instructors – TNCC is a 2 day intensive course that is taught by expert instructors. There is a faculty ratio of approximately 1 faculty per 4-6 learners.
• Comprehensive Manual – The TNCC 9th Edition Manual, sent to participants approximately 10 weeks prior to the course, contains evidence based content developed by trauma experts to reinforce and supplement the lectures and skill stations. It is a compilation of current trauma nursing standards and is a valuable resource for future reference.
• Online Learning Modules – These interactive modules with links to additional information allow students to apply what they learn and receive immediate feedback. The modules are a complete case study process taking the nurses through an entire sequence of care.
• Evaluation, Verification, and Contact Hours – At the completion of the course the participants undergo Trauma Nursing Process testing and an online Multiple Choice Questionnaire. On successful completion of this testing the participant will receive a TNCC verification card which is valid for 4 years.

Course content

• Initial Assessment
• Airway and Ventilation
• Shock
• Head Trauma
• Thoracic and Neck Trauma
• Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
• Spinal and Musculoskeletal Trauma
• Surface and Burn Trauma
• The LGBTQ + Trauma Patient
• The Paediatric Trauma Patient
• The Obese Trauma Patient
• The Older Trauma Patient
• The Pregnant Trauma Patient
• Interpersonal Violence
• Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma Care
• Disaster Management
• Transition of Care for the Trauma Patient
• Post – Resuscitation Care Considerations

Skill stations

• Eight Trauma Nursing Process (TNP) stations

Evaluation

Successful completion of the course includes scoring 80% or greater on the multiple choice examination and demonstrating all critical steps and 70% of the total points in the evaluated skill station – the Trauma Nursing Process. 

TNCC Renewal course

This one day course is for nurses who have a current TNCC Provider status and are due for renewal. Participants undertake a mixture of theoretical revision and practical skills and once evaluated will be current TNCC providers for another 4 years. Participants prepare for success on their own schedule using self-guided study materials including a new 9th Edition TNCC manual, online study modules and a practise mcq exam. The self-directed study is critical preparation for the verification testing.

TNCC instructor course

The TNCC Instructor Course is designed to prepare nurses to become a TNCC Provider Instructor.

To attend this course the nurse must have successfully completed the TNCC Provider Course and met specified criteria for consideration to become an Instructor. The Instructor Course places emphasises on appropriate teaching strategies as well as correct evaluation methods.

Applications

If you are interested in applying any TNCC courses you will need to complete an application form (external site). If you require a hard copy of the application form, please email WATTEU@health.wa.gov.au.

More information

Western Australian Trauma Training and Education Unit (WATTEU)