Trauma Coordinator, RN

Description The Trauma Coordinator assists in promoting optimal trauma care through clinical activities, professional and public education and quality improvement activities. The Coordinator acts as a resource person to all patient care areas regarding nursing care as related to the trauma patient. Functions as a liaison for trauma care by maintaining effective lines of communication with all concerned parties. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Education: High School Graduate or equivalent. Personal Job-Related Skills: Ability to read and write, effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to comprehend and follow verbal and written instructions. Sound leadership skills. Licensure or Certification: Registered Nurse currently licensed by the State of Texas. BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC required. Prior 2 (two) years Emergency Department experience as Registered Nurse. Must be able to communicate effectively with physicians, staff and patient population. Must possess the ability to react quickly in emergency situations. Must be well organized and maintain accurate records.

REPORTING RELATIONS: Operationally and administratively the Trauma Coordinator reports to the DON. Responsible to Medical Staff Members involved in Trauma Service.

TRAUMA COORDINATOR: Works closely with hospital medical staff, administration, DON and nursing staff to coordinate all aspects of trauma care. Provides/coordinates in service education for the trauma team. Participates in and coordinates planning, developing, implementing and evaluating the trauma agenda. Serves as a clinical resource to nursing Coordinates nursing care aspects of the trauma program and assists in the development of protocols for trauma care. Maintains current knowledge of trauma care via literature review and trauma conference. Participates in multidisciplinary case review. Maintains Trauma Registry, data collection, analyses data, distributes reports to appropriate team members and administration. Established liaison relationship with ancillary departments to facilitate a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to team care. Participates in the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) for the trauma services by attending all meetings, acting as a point of contact for incoming inquires and requests for information. Participates in community education programs related to trauma prevention and safety. Promotes the benefits of organized trauma service systems to professionals and community groups whenever possible. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the DON.

INFECTION CONTROL/EMPLOYEE HEALTH COORDINATOR: Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of complete infection control process in the healthcare setting. Demonstrates knowledge of risk stratified statistics as applicable to trending healthcare associated infections (HAIs). Demonstrates understanding of standard and isolation precautions as set forth by the CDC. Attends continuing education programs and maintains current knowledge of all aspects of infection control. Demonstrates knowledge of microbiology, and modes of transmission of disease entities. Demonstrates ability to teach principles and practical application of infection control to all levels of healthcare personnel. Demonstrates ability to develop infection control policies and procedures. Develops and implements a system for identifying, investigating, reporting and preventing the spread of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) among patients of all ages and healthcare personnel. Reviews cultures and sensitivities reported by microbiology laboratory of patients and personnel to determine if infection is healthcare associated in origin. Confers with staff nurses on all patient care units on a regular basis to determine occurrence of healthcare associated infections (HAIs). Confers with medical and nursing staff to determine appropriate implementation of isolation precautions. Investigates infections, especially those occurring above established thresholds, and/or in clusters by patient care units. Initiates appropriate isolation precautions when indicated. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Is responsible for Employee Health Program and assists with follow-up of accidental incidents. Communicates appropriate reports to Performance Improvement through the Infection Control Committee. Assists with in service education related to infection prevention and control house wide. Completes required reports to Public Health Department in a timely and accurate manner. Maintains accurate records of healthcare infections (HAIs) among patients and personnel. Assists in the development, implementation and improvement of infection control practices. Monitors proper use of germicides, cleaning products, antiseptics and disinfectants in use throughout the facility. Monitors methods of asepsis, sterilization and disinfection employed throughout the facility. Reviews and/or revises all department policies and procedures related to infection control on a concurrent basis. Collaborates with the Infection Control Committee Chairperson and Medical Staff to review and approve Infection Control Manual policies and procedures at least every year. Communicates infection control activities to administration, Performance Improvement Committee, the medical staff via the Infection Control Committee minutes and/or Infection Control Committee Chairperson. Implements and conducts special studies when appropriate or requested by the Infection Control Committee Chairperson. Based on studies which identify areas for improved patient outcomes, submits targeted surveillance indicators for Infection Control Committee approval on an annual basis. Available by voice mail, cell phone or in person to assist all departments regarding issues related to infection control. Stays abreast of changing infection control practices and presents plan for compliance in a timely manner. Establishes effective interpersonal relationships with physicians, nurses and all other members of the healthcare team. Communi-cates in a manner that conveys mutual understanding and respect. Designs and implements new methods to improve the efficacy and outcomes of the Infection Control Program.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COORDINATOR Work directly with safety officer to develop, coordinate and implement Hospital Emergency Management Plan. Reviews and updates Emergency Preparedness Policy and Procedures annually. Assists with inservice education related to various elements of Emergency Management Plan. Established liaison relationship with City Emergency Manager. Organizes and executes a minimum of two Hospital wide Emergency Preparedness drills per year, one which involves a coordinated response with local emergency services. Attends Hospital Safety Committee meetings quarterly and provides updates on planning process. Attends continuing education programs and maintains current knowledge of all aspects of Emergency Preparedness.