Nursing Program Manager (RN) - Level I Trauma Center

Trauma Program Manager (RN) Level I Trauma Center

Duke University Hospital | Durham, NC

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Health hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Duke Nursing Highlights:

• Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
• Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized each year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
• Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
• Duke University Health System has 6000 + registered nurses
• Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
• Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)

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
• 35 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