Acute Care Surgery​/Trauma Nurse Navigator

The ACS/Trauma Nurse Navigator provides clinical care coordination for patients recovering from surgery and those requiring ongoing support through the ACS/Trauma Service. The ACS/Trauma Nurse Navigator is an RN with advanced skills who serves as a consistent care coordinator throughout the continuum of surgical and trauma care. They are responsible for assessing healthcare barriers and the physical, psychological, and social needs of the patient, providing them with educational, emotional, and social support.

This role requires a dedicated person knowledgeable in the flow of events in post-surgical recovery, trauma care coordination, and the management of patients requiring additional surgical interventions. The ACS/Trauma Nurse Navigator is an individual trained to navigate patients through post-surgical recovery, coordinating care when patients are in need of additional support or require additional surgeries with the ACS/Trauma Service. The ACS/Trauma Nurse Navigator reports to the Nurse Manager and works closely with the ACS/Trauma Surgery leadership team to ensure delivery of appropriate and timely services to patients and other key stakeholders.

The ACS/Trauma Nurse Navigator has primary responsibility for day-to-day care coordination throughout the entire pre-, intra- and post-operative interventions in order to support patients in their recovery after surgery. The ACS/Trauma Nurse Navigator acts as a mentor, preceptor, and resource for other Clinical Nurses (CN 1, 2 &
3) as well as other staff members. The ACS/Trauma Nurse Navigator, in conjunction with the ACS/Trauma surgery nursing leadership team, assists in procedure policy and procedure development and ongoing updates. This position also provides input to department leaders regarding workflows to enhance efficiency and patient care. Escalates clinical or personnel issues to AN 2 or Nurse Manager as appropriate.

10/26/2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST

• Valid California Registered Nurse License without restriction
• American Heart Association (AHA), Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR
• Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) or related ACS/Trauma certification within 24 months of hire
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing
• 2 years of experience as a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Advanced Healthcare Coordination Experience
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Ability to utilize medical terminology appropriately.
• Knowledge of current trends in nursing.
• Ability to implement and drive continuous process improvement
• Effective interpersonal skills; ability to use a hands free telephone device.
• Accountability to nursing best practices.
• Ability to adapt to change in a positive, professional and productive manner.
• Knowledge of legal implications in clinical practice and documentation.
• Knowledge of performance improvement and evidence-based practice.
• Basic computer skills; ability to type 50 WPM.
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care, taking into consideration protective interventions, development (behavioral and physical) and physiological characteristics specific to the patients.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Clinical care coordination and/or navigation in ACS/Trauma surgical care or a related surgical specialty

• 10% - Nursing Process and Practice Advocacy
• 70% - Clinical Care Coordination and Navigation
• 5% - Professional Development of ACS/Trauma Surgical Care Knowledge and Education
• 15% - Maintains and assists with Quality Processes

The UC Davis Medical Center 48X Surgery Clinic provides comprehensive surgical care and support services, including the ACS/Trauma Service, which cares for patients requiring emergency and complex surgical interventions. The department is dedicated to supporting patients throughout their surgical journey, from initial presentation through recovery and follow-up care.

The ACS/Trauma Nurse Navigator, as a member of the Surgery Clinic team, which consists of and is not limited to RNs, LVNs, MAs, PSRs and leadership. The ACS/Trauma Nurse Navigator maintains detailed knowledge and understanding of the ACS/Trauma surgical care process.

• Salary or Pay Range:…