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Working for the Trauma Service at the John Radcliffe Hospital
What is trauma nursing?
The characteristics of trauma nursing are unique. It is a multi-faceted specialty and very different from orthopaedic nursing. Accidents are the commonest cause of death in people under 30 years of age.
Characteristics of the service
The Trauma Service comprises an interdependent multidisciplinary team. The unique consultant-led service enables nurses to 'manage care' within a framework of primary nursing. The principles underlying this philosophy are:
The Trauma Service comprises an interdependent multidisciplinary team. The unique consultant-led service enables nurses to 'manage care' within a framework of primary nursing. The principles underlying this philosophy are:
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the development of a non-hierarchical management style
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recognition of nursing knowledge
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role re-definition
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autonomy in practice
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high skill and grade mix
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participation in decision-making and clinical development work by all grades of staff.
Support in practice
The demands of the service require the provision of a comprehensive and supportive programme, in order to prepare staff for the responsibilities associated with their individual roles.
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Orientation and introduction programme for all new staff.
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Supernumerary status for all new staff on appointment.
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Well-established mentorship programme.
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Clinical supervision and support within a grade-specific competency framework, alongside performance review and objective setting
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Education opportunities and career development
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Full and part-time funded study at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
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Modules and short courses leading to a BSc in specialist and critical care (trauma).
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Skills-based training and study days.
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Opportunities to participate in nursing research and audit through secondment.
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Weekly in-house teaching sessions.
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Current developments.
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Appointment of a nursing research fellow to raise the profile of trauma nursing research.
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Flexible specialist roles in tissue viability, education, back care, casting and splinting.