Nursing Program Manager (RN) - Level I Trauma Center

Duke Health

$80K — $100K *
Hospitals & Medical Centers
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active RN license in North Carolina
  • BSN required; Master's degree preferred
  • 3-5 years of experience in trauma or critical care at a Level I/II Trauma Center
  • Current ACLS and TNCC/ATCN certifications
  • Experience in program/project management and data analysis

Responsibilities

  • Lead and maintain ACS verification and State Level I designation
  • Set strategic direction and quality goals with the Trauma Medical Director
  • Ensure compliance with ACS standards and performance improvement requirements
  • Represent the Trauma Program in leadership meetings and external organizations
  • Oversee trauma registry operations and ensure reporting compliance
  • Develop and manage the trauma program budget
  • Lead initiatives to improve clinical outcomes and system performance

Benefits

  • Work at a nationally recognized Level I Trauma Center
  • Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to clinical excellence
  • Lead a program impactful to patient outcomes across the region
  • Professional growth, leadership development, and research engagement opportunities
Full Job Description
Trauma Program Manager (RN) - Level I Trauma Center

Duke University Hospital | Durham, NC

About the Role

Duke University Hospital is seeking a Trauma Program Manager (TPM) to lead and advance our Level I Trauma Center operations. In partnership with the Trauma Medical Director, this role is responsible for driving program performance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure the highest standard of care for trauma patients.

This is a high-impact leadership position that blends clinical expertise, program management, performance improvement, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Administration
  • Lead all aspects of the Trauma Program to maintain ACS verification and State Level I designation
  • Partner with the Trauma Medical Director to set strategic direction and quality goals
  • Ensure compliance with ACS standards and performance improvement requirements
  • Represent the Trauma Program in hospital leadership meetings and external organizations
  • Develop, manage, and oversee the trauma program budget


Team Leadership
  • Provide oversight and leadership to:
    • Trauma Nurse Coordinators
    • Trauma Registry team
    • Outreach and Injury Prevention staff
  • Foster a high-performing, collaborative team environment
  • Lead regular meetings, peer review sessions, and program committees


Performance Improvement & Quality
  • Lead the Trauma Program Performance Improvement and Patient Safety Plan
  • Analyze clinical and operational data (including TQIP benchmarks) to identify improvement opportunities
  • Monitor audit filters and escalate cases for peer review as needed
  • Drive initiatives that improve clinical outcomes and system performance


Trauma Registry & Data Management
  • Oversee trauma registry operations, ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and compliance
  • Ensure timely reporting to NTDB, TQIP, and state agencies
  • Support research initiatives through data reporting and analysis


Education, Outreach & Injury Prevention
  • Support trauma education programs (e.g., TNCC, ATLS) and staff development
  • Lead community outreach and injury prevention initiatives
  • Collaborate with EMS and regional partners to improve trauma system performance


Minimum Qualifications
  • Registered Nurse (RN) with an active, unrestricted North Carolina license
  • BSN required; Master's degree in healthcare or related field preferred
  • 3-5 years of experience in trauma, emergency, or critical care at a Level I or II Trauma Center
  • Current ACLS and TNCC/ATCN certifications
  • Demonstrated experience in:
    • Program or project management
    • Performance/quality improvement
    • Data analysis and reporting
    • Team leadership or supervision


Preferred Qualifications
  • TNCC Instructor (or ability to obtain within 1 year)
  • Experience with trauma registry systems and reporting (TQIP, NTDB)
  • Background in education programming or system/process development


Work Environment
  • Fast-paced, high-acuity environment with frequent interruptions
  • Requires the ability to manage competing priorities and high-pressure situations
  • Combination of administrative, clinical, and leadership responsibilities


Why Duke Health?
  • Work at a nationally recognized Level I Trauma Center
  • Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to clinical excellence and innovation
  • Lead a program that directly impacts patient outcomes across the region
  • Opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and research engagement

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