Emergency Nursing Trauma Lead

Example role outline

This example job plan has been developed by the London Trauma Office, trauma nursing group. It is intended to broadly outline the core aspects of a ‘lead nurse for trauma’ role in both Trauma Units (TU) and Major Trauma Centres (MTC). Whilst it is acknowledged organisations will have differing requirements we recommend that this document be utilised as a benchmark for such a role.

Role purpose:

To represent trauma nursing both within the organisation and in regional and national forums.
To lead on trauma nursing development.
To advise and support the Trust Trauma Director in all aspects relating to nursing the severely injured patient.

Key duties:

Leadership:

Attends trauma related committee meetings advising and reporting on nursing.
Attends MTC Network meetings as required, presenting relevant nursing information to the Network and cascading information back to the department.
In conjunction with the Trauma Director, ensure the nursing & multidisciplinary teams are aware of existing and updated protocols/SOP’s/policies for trauma patients.

Governance:

Undertakes audits as required in conjunction with Trauma Director to establish baseline, monitor and evaluate compliance with MTC/TU criteria
Work in conjunction with risk leads in identifying specific trauma nursing related issues and liaising with key stakeholders to formulate appropriate action plans.
In conjunction with the Matron/Nursing lead, ensure that opportunities are given to nursing staff to attend trauma governance meetings/events

Education and training:

Works with the nursing educational leads to ensures an up to date record of training attendance, and the attainment of trauma-specific competencies within the department
Works with nursing educational leads to provide an educational framework for the achievement of trauma nursing competencies.
Assists with and participates in teaching within the Trust and the region as required (I.e. TTM, TTL, ATNC, etc.)
Mentor team members on best practice within trauma nursing care.
Ensure that trauma care is included as part of staff orientation.
In conjunction with Matron/Lead nurse, ensure that opportunities are given to nurses to practice trauma team roles through simulation.

Time commitment/support:

It is acknowledged that this will be largely dependent on the department/Trust at which the role is situated. It is recommended that an individual be given 0.2 WTE to effectively deliver this role.

Trauma nursing lead role – role outline. V1.1, 07/03/2013 – LTO Nursing Group