JOB SUMMARY: Monitors, plans, implements, and evaluates quality assurance programs, patient satisfaction, stroke program and the trauma service. Educates ED physicians and staff regarding performance improvement opportunities identified. Collects data required to maintain trauma designation and ensures submission of data to the Trauma Registry in a timely manner. Provides direct communication of results/issues related to the Trauma Program with the Director of Critical Care. Collects data required to maintain Primary Stroke Center. Provides direct communication of results/issues related to the stroke program with the Director of Critical Care. Performs direct patient care, as needed, within the Registered Nurse scope of practice.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. Current and valid Registered Nurse License State of Texas
2. BSN upon hire.
3. CEN preferred, SCRN preferred
4. 5 years of experience in Emergency Department Nursing.
5. Current certification in CPR, ACLS, PALS; ENPC
6. TNCC required.
7. Thorough knowledge of Trauma Nursing principles and ability to apply them to ensure quality nursing care to the trauma patient.
8. Through knowledge of NIHSS and Stroke Patient Nursing principles & the ability to apply them to ensure quality nursing care to the stroke patient.
9. Excellent verbal and written skills.
10. Behavioral violence prevention certification as required.
11. Complete a TOPIC course.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. May assist ED Manager to evaluate co-workers work performance, assists in orienting new personnel, and assures that nursing care is carried out in accordance with departmental standards and physician orders, for Trauma Service & Stroke Program.
2. Establishes priorities of patient care based on essential needs and available resources of time, equipment, personnel and supplies.
3. Follows hospital policy regarding stroke & trauma protocols.
4. Provides education about safety practices that will reduce/prevent traumatic injury to ED patients and their families.
5. Does not use unacceptable abbreviations in documentation. Documents evidence of nursing care on the patient’s medical record in a legible, concise, timely and complete manner.
6. Avoids and prevents injury to self and patients by applying the principles of body mechanics. Maintains a safe environment, functioning with an awareness and application of safety issues identified within the unit/facility i.e. suction and oxygen immediately available at all bedsides.
7. Identifies opportunities for improvement through monitoring compliance with Joint Commission, CMS (Medicare), Core Measures and educates staff regarding the implementation of changes needed for compliance.
8. Monitors patient satisfaction survey result and identifies opportunities for improvement. Works with ED Manager to implement necessary changes for improvement.
9. Coordinates trauma care management across the continuum of trauma care, including planning and implementing protocols/practice management guidelines, monitoring the care of the in-hospital patients, and serving as a resource for clinical practice.
10. Provides for inter-facility staff development, participates in case reviews, and assists in standardizing practice guidelines; Provides education to ED staff, EMS, and other hospital departments when opportunities for improvement are identified.
11. Monitors clinical outcomes and system issues related to quality of care delivery, developing quality filters, audits, and case reviews. Identifies trends and sentinel events and helps outline remedial actions while maintaining confidentiality.
12. Manages the financial aspects of the trauma program, and represents the trauma program on various committees. Reports to Quality/EPIC regularly to provide status reports for the Trauma Center and any performance issues that were identified.
13. Participates in the development of trauma care systems at the community, state or national level.
14. Maintain regular attendance
15. Performs other duties as assigned or required.