This month marks the tenth anniversary of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) certification program of the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).
In honor of this milestone, the BCEN is offering a 10% discount on initial TCRN certification and renewals throughout the month of February 2026.
“A Decade of Trauma Nursing Excellence”
The TCRN certification was introduced on February 18, 2016, following initial development collaboration with the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN).
The certification earned ANCC Magnet acceptance in April 2017, and it achieved national accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC) in January 2019.
TCRN certification is now held by more than 8,700 RNs worldwide, and it has grown to become BCEN’s second largest certification program.
Today, nurses in 16 countries hold the TCRN. Outside the U.S., nations with the most TCRNs are Canada, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Since February 2021, nurses based in China, Denmark, Japan, New Zealand, Oman, the Philippines, and Qatar have also earned the credential.
Dedication and long-lasting impact
TCRN certification independently validates specialty nursing knowledge and expertise across the trauma care continuum including injury prevention, prehospital care, acute care, rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“Trauma nurses are at the center of this important milestone, and we proudly honor the tremendous dedication, achievements and long-lasting impacts of TCRNs across the United States and around the world,” said Janie Schumaker, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, ICE-CCP, CENP, CPHQ, FABC, chief executive officer of the BCEN.
“Specialty certified trauma nurses have a significant positive effect on patient outcomes and community health,” she said. “With advanced skills in assessment, on-the-spot interventions and ongoing care, TCRNs can identify subtle changes in patients’ conditions, prevent complications and support faster recovery. They are invaluable members of their trauma teams and champions of injury prevention in communities worldwide.”
“Care from a TCRN reflects a nurse’s commitment to professional growth and excellence in trauma care, enabling them to advocate confidently and effectively for their patients,” said Julie Ruddy, BS, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, chairperson of BCEN’s board of directors. “I am proud that the TCRN credential is recognized across the trauma continuum, not just in emergency care, and I am inspired by the growing number of nurses eager to step up and become TCRNs.”
“TCRNs are at the forefront of driving quality in trauma care, and their commitment to excellence across the trauma care continuum is evident in the care they provide,” said Sean Elwell, DNP, RN, NE-BC, TCRN, CPEN, EMT, BCEN board of directors chairperson-elect. “TCRNs promote evidence-based practice while serving as champions of best practices. The growth of this certification highlights the need for formal validation of knowledge within the trauma specialty.”
Learn more
For more trauma facts, statistics and information on trauma nursing and the TCRN’s history and impact, read the tenth anniversary edition of In Pursuit of Excellence: The TCRN.
