Purpose: This study aimed to identify the priority areas of trauma nursing educational needs according to the career stages of emergency department (ED) nurses. Methods: This descriptive comparative study was conducted with a convenience sample of 143 nurses working in 13 EDs in Seoul, Korea, all at or above the local emergency medical center level. Participants’ career stages were categorized into advanced beginner, competent practitioner, and proficient practitioner. They completed a questionnaire measuring their perceived importance and performance levels related to trauma nursing. Data were analyzed using frequencies, the t-test, Borich needs assessment model, and the locus for focus model. Results: After excluding one questionnaire with insincere responses, data from 142 participants were included in the final analysis. Priority educational needs differed by career stage: nurses at the advanced beginner level emphasized education directly related to patient resuscitation, while nurses at higher career stages identified more diverse and in-depth educational needs. Across all stages, however, the most common priority competencies were circulation and bleeding control assessments, clinical knowledge of trauma resuscitation, and ventilator manipulation skills. Conclusion Tailored trauma nursing education is needed for ED nurses at different career stages. All nurses require training in circulation and bleeding control, trauma resuscitation, and ventilator management, but novice nurses benefit most from foundational resuscitation content, whereas experienced nurses require advanced programs. Career-stage-specific education can promote professional development and improve the quality of trauma care.