Trauma RN Team Lead

Palomar Health; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Palomar Health in Escondido, CA is seeking a Trauma RN to deliver high-quality care during resuscitation and initial diagnostics. You will coordinate with surgeons and the trauma team, ensuring documentation accuracy and patient safety throughout the trauma pathway.

The role requires a CA RN license, a BSN preferred, and critical care/trauma experience; certifications such as PALS/ENPC/ACLS within 6 months of hire are highly valued. This is a full-time, on-site position in a busy trauma unit.

Qualifications

• CA RN license required
• BSN preferred
• Trauma/critical care RN experience preferred
• PALS/ENPC/ACLS within 6 months of hire preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide optimal care for injured patients during resuscitation and initial diagnostic phase.
• Coordinate and direct trauma care with trauma surgeon and nursing staff.
• Document nursing records accurately during resuscitation and diagnostic phases.

Skills

Critical care experience

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

PALS/ENPC/ACLS certification within 6 months

Job description

Job Details

Department: Trauma Union: CNA Shift: 12-hour Shift - Day (United States of America) Hours Per Pay Period: 72 Job Description: RANGE: $55.74 - $81.20 Posting Date: 07/15/2026 Internal Closing Date: 7/21/2026 * Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights.

Provides and ensure optimal care for the injured patient during the resuscitation and initial diagnostic phase of care. Acts as a representative of Trauma Services, ensuring patient care is conducted within practice guidelines approved by the hospital, trauma service, and the County. Effectively coordinate and direct care by utilizing critical thinking, interpersonal and technical skills. Acts as a clinical resource to nursing and ancillary staff for trauma patients throughout the continuum of care while promoting and demonstrating an advanced level of nursing care for complex, critically ill patients. Participates in formal and informal educational programs for nursing staff, and precepts as requested. Participates in data collection as required for maintenance of the Trauma Registry. The Registered Nurse shall be responsible for the observation and direction of patient lifts and mobilization and shall participate as needed in patient handling. Performs shift inventory of required equipment and supplies for Trauma Resus Bay, and in working order. Prepares trauma bay for the arrival of the trauma patient, based on mechanism, pathophysiology, and suspected injuries. Works in concert with the trauma surgeon, to complete both primary and secondary surveys, with appropriate treatments and interventions. Assures completeness and accuracy of documentation in the nursing records during both resuscitation and diagnostic phases of care. In the event of multiple simultaneous trauma activations, collaborates with ED Supervisor/Charge on duty, Trauma Surgeon(s) on call, Trauma Program Manager, House Supervisor in the prioritization of nursing care needs and patient care needs. Track and document all trauma bypass incidences throughout closure and re-opening per protocol. ssists in patient care in the Emergency Department, in an unencumbered role, including rounding on trauma resource patients in collaboration with the appropriate unit nursing supervisors and as requested and observed/verified by Trauma Program Manager/designee. May accompany trauma ICU patients for diagnostic procedures when appropriate and mutually determined by Department or Unit Supervisors involved. In the event of multiple simultaneous trauma activations, collaborates with ED Supervisor/Charge on duty, Trauma Surgeon(s) on call, Trauma Program Manager, House Supervisor in the prioritization of nursing care needs and patient care needs. Participates in trauma patient rounding for the purposes of trauma performance data collection as needed throughout the Trauma Service Line. peak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.

Job Requirements

• Minimum Education: As required by certification and/or licensure
• Preferred Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Preferred Experience: 3 years critical care/trauma year RN experience at Palomar Health
• Preferred Experience: 5 years critical care/trauma + years TNCC or ATCN Instructor
• Required Certification: Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Emergency RN Pediatric Course (ENPC) within 6 months of hire risis Prevention (CPI) within 6 months of hire merican Heart Association recognized Advanced Cardiac Life Support merican Heart Association recognized BLS - Healthcare Provider rauma RN Core Curriculum (TNCC) or Advance Trauma Core Nursing (ATCN) one time course completion
• Preferred Certification: Certified Critical Care RN or Certified Emergency RN rauma RN Core Curriculum (TNCC) or Advance Trauma Core Nursing (ATCN) Instructor
• Required License: Current CA RN License
• Preferred License: Not Applicable

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Palomar Health invites you to be part of our healthcare team, where we offer extraordinary opportunities for both clinical and non-clinical positions. As a leading healthcare system, we are committed to providing world-class care to our community. When you join our team, you'll have access to our exceptional training programs designed to help you excel in your role and grow your career.