Trauma Coordinator RN

Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center:

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is an internationally recognized leader in research and clinical excellence that has given rise to breakthroughs in cardiovascular care, neuroscience, oncology, transplantation, and more. Our team’s efforts have led to the creation of many research programs and initiatives to develop advanced treatments found nowhere else in the world. In our commitment to advancing standards in an ever-evolving healthcare environment, our new McNair Campus is designed around the human experience—modeled on evidence-based practices for the safety of patients, visitors, staff, and physicians. The 27.5-acre campus represents the future of healthcare through a transformative alliance focused on leading-edge patient care, research, and education. Our strong alliance with Texas Heart® Institute and Baylor College of Medicine allows us to bring our patients a powerful network of care unlike any other. Our collaboration is focused on increasing access to care through a growing network of leading specialists and revolutionizing healthcare to save lives and improve the health of the communities we serve.

Position Summary:

The Trauma Coordinator assumes 24-hour responsibility for the coordination of nursing care of trauma patients throughout the hospital. The individual is accountable to the Director of Patient Care and the Trauma Medical Director. The position requires knowledge and skill of professional nursing theory and practice; trauma care and trauma systems; principles of teaching and learning; research and performance improvement. Effective interpersonal relationships are essential to all activities. Organizational skills are critical. Knowledge, understanding, acceptance, and support of the philosophy, objectives and policies of the Department of Nursing and the institution are essential. The Trauma Coordinator demonstrates excellence in practice through full role functions: practitioner, educator, consultant, leader, and researcher.

The Trauma Coordinator in collaboration with the Trauma Medical Director is responsible for monitoring the continuum of care for the trauma patient.

Position Responsibilities: 

• Assists in formulating Trauma Center goals, policies, procedures and practice management guidelines.
• Communicates Trauma Center policies, procedures, and goals to the nursing staff and physicians.
• Collaborates with the nursing units involved in care of the trauma patient.   Assists with education requirements, knowledge deficits, policy and procedures as it relates to the trauma patient and resolves QI or cost issues.
• Assists the Trauma Medical Director and Director of Patient Care in the investigation and resolution of problems and concerns in the area of trauma care.
• Has the authority and responsibility to monitor trauma patient care from the ED admission through operative interventions, ICU/Critical Care, stabilization, rehabilitation care, and discharge, including the trauma PI program.
• Provides immediate supervision and overall direction with input from the Trauma Medical Director for the Trauma Registrar(s).
• Participates in a leadership role in the hospital, community, and regional emergency management (disaster) response committee.
• Supports physician partnership development between physician and service areas.
• Functions as an expert practitioner who provides for the clinical needs of the trauma patients, both directly and indirectly.
• Acts as a consultant and provides expertise in trauma care to nurses, pre hospital providers, and other health professionals.
• Assists in the development of nursing care standards for trauma patients in collaboration with appropriate disciplines.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and ongoing assessment of trauma policies and guidelines.
• Collaborates with Unit Supervisors, Nursing staff, Case Managers and other healthcare professionals in providing continuity of care to trauma patients and families from admission through discharge.
• Collaborates with other Healthcare Professionals to provide clinical and systems oversight for the care of the injured patient, ensuring provision of efficient quality care.
• Serves as a liaison for the Trauma Service with the prehospital providers, other trauma centers and tertiary care centers, regional hospitals and clinics, community, and government agencies 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current licensure in Texas as a Registered Nurse.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support provider; instructor preferred.
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) or Advanced Trauma Course for Nurses (ATCN)  provider required.
• PALS or ENPC required within 6 months of employment.
• CEN preferred
• Evidence of:
  • a) Clinical expertise on the practice of trauma nursing
  • b) Successful managerial experience
  • c) Excellent interpersonal skills
  • d) Expert knowledge of trauma systems
  • e) Experience in teaching and quality assurance
  • f) Ability to be self-directed with flexible work schedule

Minimum Experience: 

• Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience taking care of injured patients
• Has demonstrated success in achieving trauma center designation at a prior trauma center