Promotes optimal trauma care for a Level Two Trauma Center through clinical, administrative, educational, research, quality improvement activities, serves as a role model while demonstrating expert knowledge in both skills in the practice of trauma nursing and the requirements for a Level Two Trauma Center verification. Responsible for the development and implementation of Trauma Program protocols in collaboration with the Trauma Director. Monitors the effectiveness of these protocols through interaction with all departments facility wide and though problems identified in the trauma quality improvement program. Responsible for the development and implementation of nursing standards of care. Functions as a resource and liaison to all departments within the facility, including nursing, Social Services, Emergency Services, Admission, Radiology, Trauma Registry and all other services provided to the trauma medical services, members and organization of the local community and referring hospitals, both local and regional. Implements trauma prevention and education projects aimed at the general public. Participates in research projects through data collection and follow-up surveys. Prepares for revivification site visits by the American College of Surgeons, which take place every three years. Coordinates the ATLS Provider and Instructor courses given at intervals throughout the year. Participates in the development of the trauma call system. In addition, this role will serve as the Nurse Manager for this unit. Supervises and coordinates patient care services. The Nurse Manager ensures that physicians' orders are followed; ensures that patient conditions and progress are accurately reported; ensures that patient care is administered by all professional and non-professional personnel in the unit according to organization and regulatory policies and guidelines; and has staffing and budget control responsibilities for the unit.
1.
Essential Functions
Collaborates with Trauma leadership in planning, developing, implementing, evaluating the trauma program in Level Designated Trauma Center
Responsible for individual accountability for clinical practice and serves as a clinical resource by participating in providing trauma care.
Evaluates all aspects of trauma care provided to meet the standards of a Level Designated Trauma Center both independently and in collaboration with the medical Director of Trauma.
Coordinates nursing care issues with Vice President of Patient Care Services, the appropriate director or supervisor of support services.
Establishes in collaboration with the Trauma leadership, resuscitation in protocols setting priorities for care in a Level Designated Trauma Center.
Critiques resuscitation events and care in the pre-hospital setting and at referring hospitals in collaboration with the Trauma Leadership, establishing lines of communication with the above.
Reviews the plan of care for each trauma patient to ensure that trauma protocols are initiated and followed.
Assists staff throughout the facility in problem-solving related to the care of trauma patients and their families.
Consults with discharge planners, rehabilitation programs, and special home services regarding patient care management. provides patient care follow-up during all phases of trauma care through clinical rounds, multi-disciplinary conferences, and communication with patient's family.
Compiles and maintains records of all trauma patients, to be used by all members of the trauma team and multi-disciplinary services.
Is available to the trauma patients and their families after discharge for problem solving, education, and support.
2.
Educational Responsibilities
Maintains current knowledge of trauma care via literature review, trauma rounds and conferences, seminars and networking with other trauma care specialists.
Designs and implements a trauma orientation for all new trauma team physicians to Level Designated Trauma Center protocols.
Assists Trauma staff physicians in orienting new trauma team physicians to Level Designated Trauma Center protocols.
Initiates and implements community wide trauma education programs for the general public as a part of Injury Prevention/Community Outreach programs.
Responsible for specific aspects in the administration of ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Course and education presentations to regional hospital nursing staff.
Educates patients and families regarding home care and lifestyle adjustments and provides resource information as needed.
Provides community-wide and regional trauma education for pre-hospital care providers and the general public.
Promotes interest in trauma care issues through dissemination of information and coordinating education offerings within the institution and to local and regional health care facilities.
Advances the regional trauma center as an area for clinical experience though educational offerings and as a preceptor of nursing students interested in trauma system development and coordination.
3.
Performance Improvement
Responsible for daily review of computer data to determine efficacy of triage.
Responsible for chart reviews on trauma patients for on-going review of care.
Participates in post trauma resuscitation critiques with the ECU leadership and and Trauma leadership.
Provides follow up on problems identified during trauma care critiques.
Coordinates weekly multi-disciplinary trauma conference.
Evaluates nursing care of trauma patients based on established standards of care with referral to the appropriate nursing administrator or supervisor for actions.
In collaboration with the Trauma leadership, analyzes the trauma care system and problems identified by pre-hospital documentation.
Participates in multi-disciplinary care review as a member of the Trauma PI Committee and implements recommendations made.
Evaluate and revise nursing standards of care based upon American College of Surgeons Standards and research based nursing literature.
4.
Unit Management and Daily Operations
Estimates future departmental personnel, equipment, and supply needs in order to ensure the attainment of operating goals. Develops, recommends, and implements the annual capital equipment, personnel, and operating budget for the department. Conducts periodic reviews of departmental performance, analyzes budget variances, and implements responsive action.
Demonstrates clinical expertise in facilitating the timely availability, access, and utilization of multidisciplinary health care services, alternative levels of care, and community resources in a manner that ensures optimal continuity and expediency in the health care delivery process.
Consults with nursing management, nursing staff, and Clinical Nurse Specialists in the development of instructional materials for patients and family members which will provide the specific knowledge and skill required to increase their understanding of the patient's illness, meet the patient's ongoing health care needs, and improve patient health outcomes.
Develops and maintains documentation required for successful employee development and administrative and divisional communication. Supervises and participates in the efficient recording of pertinent patient care data utilizing the computerized medical record and manual documentation in order to promote timely and efficient access to required information throughout the organization. Preserves the confidentiality of data and information identified as sensitive in order to ensure the protection of patient dignity and privacy.
5.
Demonstrates the ability to develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of patient education information
Assures that current and appropriate patient educational materials are available for use in the clinical area. - Assess current information available at OLOL - Develop new material as needed - Recommend procurement of materials available in the market as appropriate
Works with the interdisciplinary team to provide optimum patient education. - Provides training in patient education to members of the team. - Evaluates the effectiveness of patient education provided by the team and revises efforts as needed. - Communicates effectively with the team to assure awareness of material and resource availability for patient education.
6.
Demonstrates the ability to function as a leader in the management of the trauma patient
Consults with nursing management, seeking advice as needed and providing information related to areas for improvement, corrective action, and follow-up.
Serves as a resource person in improvement opportunities, exhibits advanced clinical knowledge in policy and procedure content, application of theory to practice, and available hospital and community resources.
Participates in the development and maintenance of current standards of care, policy, and procedures.
Participates in management, unit staff meetings, and special committee meetings as requested.
Collaborates with health team members in facilitating working relationships that result in smooth follow of patients though the system.
7.
Maintains and advances professional education level to enhance expertise
Maintains active membership in the Society of Trauma Nurses.
Attends conferences and education opportunities to enhance professional knowledge in the field of trauma nursing and trauma management.
Reviews current research journals to update clinical practice for self and others.
8.
Liaison and consultant responsibilities
Develops and fosters collaborative relationships with staff in all departments to maintain appropriate level of care for trauma patients.
Identifies and assures compliance with recommended standards of trauma care for the purpose of continued verification by the American College of Surgeons through review of multi-disciplinary activities.
Prepares staff in all departments of impending verification site visits by the American College of Surgeons.
Serves as a liaison for Trauma Center with community and regional EMS providers.
9.
Community and National Involvement in Trauma Care Systems
Participates in the development of trauma care systems in the community and state. Monitors state, regional and national trends in trauma care, collaborating with other trauma care systems to share best practices and learn from others.
Maintains effective lines of communication with the Louisiana Department of Health, American College of Surgeons, surrounding area EMS systems and Region 2 trauma system committee, ensuring effective and efficient collaboration and interaction in times of need.
10.
Other Duties
Performs all other duties as assigned