RN - Trauma Program Manager

This job opening is for the position of RN - Trauma Program Manager at a distinguished Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This healthcare institution is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based trauma care to pediatric patients, ensuring safety and efficiency in every aspect of their service. The facility operates as a hub for trauma care excellence, staffed by experienced professionals dedicated to advancing patient outcomes through coordinated, interdisciplinary efforts. As a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, the hospital meets rigorous standards set by the state and accrediting bodies, emphasizing continuous improvement, research integration, and community outreach to enhance trauma care delivery.

The RN - Trauma Program Manager is a pivotal leadership role within the trauma service line, tasked with managing trauma personnel and coordinating trauma services to enable seamless workflows responsive to the complex demands of trauma care. Reporting directly to the Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President of Patient Care Services, the manager acts as the bridge between trauma medical direction and nursing operations, playing a critical role in sustaining and elevating the program’s clinical and operational excellence. This position is responsible for overall operations of the Trauma Program with 24-hour accountability, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and standards associated with a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center.

In this role, the manager oversees strategic planning, quality assurance, budget management, and performance improvement initiatives specific to the trauma service line. They serve as the primary nursing liaison for trauma patient care starting from admission through rehabilitation and follow-up phases, ensuring holistic patient management. The role demands strong collaboration with hospital departments, prehospital agencies, and community organizations to foster robust trauma systems and community education programs aimed at injury prevention. This includes managing research efforts and trauma fund grants, implementing data-driven quality improvements, and maintaining accreditation standards through precise gap analyses and compliance monitoring.

The Trauma Program Manager must possess professional nursing expertise and leadership capabilities, able to make critical decisions, oversee program analysis, and develop efficient operational processes that directly impact trauma care delivery quality and patient outcomes. Proficiency in data management and strong communication skills are essential, as this role requires ongoing interaction with various stakeholders, including physicians, senior leadership, and external agencies. The successful candidate will champion trauma program growth, advocate for patients’ needs, and uphold the highest standards of trauma nursing practice within a dynamic healthcare environment.

This role requires a registered nursing license valid in Virginia or a compact state, along with crucial certifications such as CPR and the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC). Additionally, ongoing trauma education is mandated to maintain verification standards. Candidates typically hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field, with a preference for those who have advanced degrees and experience in pediatric or emergency trauma care. The manager must demonstrate robust organizational and critical thinking skills, adaptability in a fast-paced setting, and a collaborative leadership approach to foster a professional and supportive work atmosphere.