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Level 1 Trauma Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$90 - $110/hr

Performance Improvement Engineer - Level 1 Trauma The Trauma Performance Improvement Coordinator will work in collaboration with the Trauma Program Manager and Trauma Medical Director to monitor and ...

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How much do level 1 trauma jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for level 1 trauma in the United States is $28.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $32.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by nurses working in a Level 1 trauma center, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Nurses in a Level 1 Trauma center often experience fast-paced, high-pressure environments where critical thinking and rapid decision-making are essential. Common challenges include managing multiple complex cases simultaneously, coping with emotionally intense situations, and maintaining effective communication with a large multidisciplinary team. Applicants can prepare by gaining experience in emergency or critical care settings, developing strong stress-management techniques, and pursuing certifications such as TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course). Support from colleagues and ongoing professional development are vital for thriving in this demanding yet rewarding role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Level 1 trauma nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Level 1 Trauma Nurse, you need advanced clinical assessment skills, critical thinking, and an RN license—often with certifications like ACLS, TNCC, and ENPC. Familiarity with trauma protocols, electronic health records, and rapid-response systems is essential in this high-pressure environment. Strong communication, teamwork, and resilience help nurses coordinate care and manage stressful situations effectively. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering life-saving interventions and ensuring optimal outcomes for critically injured patients.

What is a Level 1 trauma center?

A Level 1 Trauma center is a hospital equipped to provide the highest level of surgical care to trauma patients. These centers have a full range of specialists and equipment available 24/7 and must meet strict requirements for treating the most severe and complex injuries. They also serve as leaders in trauma education, research, and prevention, often supporting surrounding hospitals with training and resources. Being treated at a Level 1 Trauma center can significantly improve outcomes for critically injured patients.

What is the difference between Level 1 Trauma vs Level 2 Trauma?

CriteriaLevel 1 TraumaLevel 2 Trauma
CertificationsPhysicians, nurses, and staff with advanced trauma certificationsSimilar certifications but may not require as extensive trauma-specific training
Work EnvironmentMajor trauma centers with comprehensive resources and specialists available 24/7Regional trauma centers with significant resources but fewer specialists on-site
Usage in IndustryDesignated for hospitals providing the highest level of trauma careDesignated for hospitals offering advanced trauma care but not the highest level

Level 1 Trauma centers provide the most comprehensive trauma care, with specialized staff and resources available around the clock. Level 2 Trauma centers also deliver high-quality trauma services but may lack some of the extensive resources and research capabilities of Level 1 centers. Both roles require similar certifications, but Level 1 centers demand more advanced credentials and staffing. Understanding these differences helps patients and professionals identify the appropriate trauma care level for specific needs.

More about Level 1 Trauma jobs

What states have the most Level 1 Trauma jobs?

States with the most job openings for Level 1 Trauma jobs include:

Infographic showing various Level 1 Trauma job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $59,056 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Performance Improvement Engineer - Level 1 Trauma

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Trauma Performance Improvement Coordinator will work in collaboration with the Trauma Program Manager and Trauma Medical Director to monitor and collect quality outcome and process measures and support analysis and reporting of quality and patient safety data. The position will support the design, implementation, and evaluation of system/patient care improvements specific to the trauma population. Additionally, this position will support evidence-based practices, reduction of medical/health care errors, and other factors contributing to unintended adverse outcomes.
Position Responsibilities
    Identify clinical outcomes and process compliance trends/opportunities. Prioritize and recommend improvements. 
    Conduct systematic review and analysis of safety event reviews, root cause analyses, patient care issues, quality outcomes, and process data. 
    Identify risks and trends. Prioritize action plans. Recommend improvements and oversee development of interventions; evaluate improvements/interventions if desired.
    Collaborate with Trauma Program leadership in supporting interdisciplinary team members in work to facilitate improved trauma patient safety and clinical quality throughout the enterprise.
    Mentor and train clinical leaders, providers, and frontline staff to collect, trend, and analyze data on a day-to-day basis to monitor clinical and operational processes.
    Provide guidance, facilitate, and work cooperatively with physicians/clinicians, administration, allied health, and support staff involved in the quality and performance improvement process to improve patient safety and clinical quality throughout the enterprise and enhance care management.
    Support the trauma registry and optimize data utilization to facilitate performance improvement activities, trends reports, and research.
    Conduct daily reviews of trauma patient care for compliance with care guidelines and policy.
    Enter quality metrics into the trauma registry.
    Work collaboratively with the Trauma Program Manager to note trends in metrics.
    Work closely with the trauma and interdisciplinary healthcare team members throughout UI Health Care to support coordination, evaluation, and sustained implementation of clinical improvement activities. 
    Educate interns, nurses, paramedics, and nursing assistants on trauma guidelines and documentation requirements to meet state and national quality standards. 
    Provide support to trauma research priorities. Participate in ongoing research and professional development of self and other staff. 
    Collect data for specific evidence-based projects.
    Analyze data to ensure compliance with American College of Surgeons Level 1 Trauma requirements and lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams to achieve these goals.
    Review trauma charts to make sure that documentation is complete and timely and that care meets quality standards.
    Work with trauma and emergency medicine faculty, residents, and interns to assure protocols are followed for the trauma patients.
    Mentor and educate fellows, residents, and medical students to the needs and issues of the continuum of care throughout the trauma patients' stay.
    Educate nursing personnel on evidence-based practice.
    Give feedback to all providers that work with trauma patients. 
    Abstract data from Epic and/or the trauma registry. Present this data to interdisciplinary trauma staff.
    Seek clarification of situations that appear not to meet standards. Work to get the whole picture of an event and provide constructive feedback.
    Report to the Trauma Medical Director any concerns about patient care and conduct of all of the members of our service line.
    Support development of and promote improvements in clinical care as members of the service line bring issues forward.
 

Percent of Time: 100%, 40 hours per week
Schedule:  40 hour week with a 30 minute lunch
Location:  UI Main campus
Pay Grade:  5A  
Benefit Highlights:
    Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
    Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.  For more information on benefits, please visit:  https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits/employee-benefits

Education Requirements
    Bachelor's degree in nursing or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience Requirements
    Minimum of 3-5 years of nursing experience in a trauma-based setting.
    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to manage small and large group interaction.
    Demonstrated proficiency with electronic medical records, including reporting functions.
    Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Power Point and Excel.
    Demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, showing the ability to handle multiple tasks, establish priorities, and meet tight deadlines in situations both complex and sensitive in nature.
    Current license to practice professional nursing in the state of Iowa.
Desired Qualifications
    Minimum of 1 year of related experience with data abstraction and/or analysis of clinical data. 
    Previous experience with performance improvement initiatives.
    Demonstrated ability in public speaking.
    Demonstrated knowledge of incorporating evidence-based practice techniques in a health care setting. 
    Knowledge of quality improvement and/or patient safety practices.
    Knowledge of University policies, procedures, and regulations.
 

Application Process:  In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
Resume
Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For additional questions, please contact kiley-skay@uiowa.edu


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