Nurse Navigator – Trauma
Employer: TandemStride
Location: Level I Trauma Center in Research Triangle Area
Job Title: Nurse Navigator – Trauma
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervisory Role: No
Job Summary
This position provides comprehensive nurse navigation, care coordination, patient education, and longitudinal follow-up services to trauma survivors and their families across inpatient and outpatient settings embedded in a local Level 1 Trauma Center.
The Trauma Nurse Navigator is an integral frontline clinical member at the Trauma Center, serving as a consistent point of contact for patients throughout recovery after injury. Using a trauma-informed and patient-centered approach, this position coordinates appointments, referrals, imaging studies, testing, and transitions of care; performs symptom assessment and triage; provides patient and family education regarding injuries, recovery, and treatment plans; and facilitates communication across the multidisciplinary team.
The Trauma Nurse Navigator collaborates closely with the Trauma Center’s trauma surgery, clinical psychology, social work, inpatient clinical case management (CCM), primary care, specialty providers, and community organizations to support continuity of care, reduce barriers to recovery, and improve longitudinal outcomes after traumatic injury. This position participates in multidisciplinary clinics, care planning meetings, and quality improvement initiatives while maintaining compliance with institutional, payer, and regulatory requirements.
Additionally, this position serves as the primary clinical bridge between healthcare operations and technology. Operating as TandemStride’s frontline clinical resource, the Nurse Navigator provides ongoing process and technology feedback to directly inform the continuous development and enhancement of the TandemStride mobile application and recovery center platform.
Description of Job Responsibilities
Patient Navigation and Care Coordination
- Coordinate patient appointments, imaging studies, specialty referrals, testing, follow-up care, and transitions across inpatient and outpatient settings for trauma survivors.
- Introduce eligible patients to the recovery services during hospitalization, onboard patients onto the recovery app, and establish initial follow-up contact within designated timeframes after discharge.
- Collaborate with the Trauma Center’s trauma surgery, primary care, specialty services, inpatient CCM/social work, behavioral health providers, and community partners to facilitate continuity of care, safe transitions, and longitudinal recovery after injury.
- Participate in multidisciplinary clinics, team rounds, and daily planning meetings.
Patient Assessment, Symptom Management, and Clinical Triage
- Assess patient symptoms, recovery concerns, treatment adherence, and functional status through phone calls, clinic interactions, interactions through the TandemStride platform, and medical record reviews.
- Identify acute clinical concerns or escalating symptoms and communicate appropriately with the Trauma Center clinical team for escalation and intervention.
- Perform follow-up outreach after clinic visits and provide ongoing support to patients and families regarding symptom management, medications, wound care, pain concerns, and recovery expectations.
Communication and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Utilize trauma-informed communication strategies, active listening, and patient advocacy skills to foster trust, therapeutic relationships, and continuity across the recovery continuum.
- Collaborate closely with Trauma Center social work and clinical psychology to support integrated behavioral health and stepped-care interventions for trauma survivors.
Documentation, Billing, and Regulatory Compliance
- Maintain timely and accurate EPIC documentation of patient interactions, assessments, triage activities, care coordination efforts, education provided, and follow-up activities in accordance with institutional, payer, and regulatory standards.
- Complete applicable forms and documentation, including FMLA paperwork and care coordination documentation requirements.
- Support compliance with Trauma Center policies, trauma program standards, CMS regulations, TJC requirements, and nursing licensure standards.
- Maintain appropriate credentialing, continuing education, and clinical competencies necessary for practice.
TandemStride Technology & Process Innovation
- Serve as an internal clinical subject matter expert for TandemStride, providing structured feedback on care coordination workflows, patient outreach processes, and navigation tools utilized within the recovery center.
- Test and evaluate features of the TandemStride mobile application and recovery center platform from a frontline clinical perspective, identifying usability and workflow gaps, and opportunities to better support patient engagement and care team communication.
- Partner directly with TandemStride’s product, engineering, and operations teams to relay real-world navigation needs, participate in feedback sessions and pilot testing, and ensure technology tools reflect the realities of trauma recovery care coordination.
Quality Improvement and Professional Development
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives, multidisciplinary case review, outcomes tracking, and educational activities focused on trauma recovery and care coordination.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of clinical workflows and patient navigation processes within the recovery center.
- Maintain professional competency through continuing education, evidence-based practice, and ongoing knowledge of trauma recovery and resources relevant to injured patients and families.
RequirementsEducation
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) from a state-accredited school of professional nursing is required.
Licensure & Certifications
- Active license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of North Carolina (or eligible for NC licensure).
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification required.
- Certification in trauma nursing (e.g., TCRN), care coordination, motivational interviewing, or trauma-informed care is encouraged but not required.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience required.
- Preferred experience in trauma surgery, emergency medicine, surgical services, care coordination, rehabilitation, or complex care populations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong interpersonal, communication, patient advocacy, and care coordination skills.
- Ability to work independently within TandemStride while seamlessly collaborating within the Level 1 Trauma Center’s interdisciplinary team.
- Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Empathy, compassion, and trauma-informed communication skills.
- Ability to manage complex clinical situations and prioritize competing demands.
- Comfort and enthusiasm for providing frontline feedback on digital health tools and workflows, including mobile applications and care coordination platforms.
- Motivation to help build a new model for how trauma recovery is delivered - not just fill a role
- Professionalism and maturity to navigate ambiguity in an evolving clinical program
- Ability to travel 1-2 times annually for company working sessions and meetings
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- What are your salary expectations for this role?
- Are you available to work between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST?
- Are you currently licensed as an RN/BSN?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chapel Hill, NC 27599
