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Trauma Nurse Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Trauma Nurse information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$24

$45

$67

How much do trauma nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for trauma nurse in Raleigh, NC is $45.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.62 and $53.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do trauma nurses do?

A trauma nurse is a vital part of the triage team treating patients who need immediate care. It differs from an emergency or intensive care nurse, as the patients you treat are generally incoherent and could be moments from passing. ER nurses treat patients are in less critical conditions. In other words, the patients that come to the trauma ward have a nearly 100% chance of passing without your intervention. However, these units typically work closely together, and both nurses work in the ER. As a trauma nurse, your primary responsibilities revolve around stabilizing the patient. Once that is accomplished, you can then attend to less critical duties. It is your responsibility to manage pain, and treat any potentially life-threatening injuries

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

To thrive as a Trauma Nurse, you need a robust background in emergency care, trauma assessment, and critical thinking, typically supported by an RN license and often certification in Trauma Nursing (such as TNCC). Familiarity with trauma protocols, advanced life support systems, and electronic health records is essential. Excellent communication, resilience under pressure, and teamwork are vital soft skills for managing high-stress situations and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering rapid, effective care to critically injured patients and ensuring the best possible outcomes in life-threatening situations.

What are some common challenges trauma nurses face in a fast-paced emergency setting?

Trauma nurses often encounter high-stress situations, balancing the need to make quick clinical decisions with providing compassionate care to patients and their families. They must efficiently prioritize multiple patients with varying degrees of injury, collaborate closely with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals, and stay updated on constantly evolving protocols. Emotional resilience and effective communication skills are essential, as trauma nurses frequently deal with critical cases and may be exposed to traumatic events. Despite these challenges, the role offers significant personal and professional growth for those passionate about emergency care.

What is the difference between Trauma Nurse vs Emergency Room Nurse?

AspectTrauma NurseEmergency Room Nurse
CertificationsCPR, ACLS, TNCCCPR, ACLS, TNCC
Work EnvironmentTrauma centers, hospitalsEmergency departments, hospitals
Job FocusSevere trauma cases, rapid assessmentBroad emergency cases, initial patient care
Employer & IndustryHospitals with trauma centersHospitals, urgent care facilities

Trauma Nurses and Emergency Room Nurses both work in fast-paced hospital settings and require similar certifications. Trauma Nurses specialize in managing severe trauma cases in trauma centers, focusing on rapid assessment and stabilization. Emergency Room Nurses handle a wide range of urgent health issues in emergency departments, providing initial care for various conditions. While their roles overlap, Trauma Nurses typically work in dedicated trauma units, whereas ER Nurses serve in general emergency departments.

How much do trauma nurse unit nurses make?

Trauma nurse unit nurses typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS). Salaries can vary based on the hospital setting, shift differentials, and additional skills in emergency and critical care nursing.

What are popular job titles related to Trauma Nurse jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Trauma Nurse jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trauma Nurse jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Trauma Nurse jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Infographic showing various Trauma Nurse job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,497 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Trauma Nurse Coordinator - Trauma Center

Durham, NC • On-site


Duke University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

491st of 625 rated colleges and universities

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of the four Duke Healthhospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Duke Nursing Highlights:

  • Duke University Health System is designated as a Magnet organization
  • Nurses from each hospital are consistently recognized each year as North Carolina's Great 100 Nurses.
  • Duke University Health System was awarded the American Board of Nursing Specialties Award for Nursing Certification Advocacy for being strong advocates of specialty nursing certification.
  • Duke University Health System has 6000 + registered nurses
  • Quality of Life: Living in the Triangle!
  • Relocation Assistance (based on eligibility)
Trauma Nurse Coordinator - Duke University Hospital 

The Trauma Nurse Coordinator (TNC) will work in collaboration with the Trauma Center Medical Director and the Trauma Program Manager to plan, coordinate and evaluate the Duke University Hospital Trauma Center Performance Improvement and Patient Safety Plan.

Serves as a liaison and consultant with interdisciplinary teams, to include Case Managers and Social Workers, for optimal care of the trauma patient. Works collaboratively to ensure patient needs are met and appropriate care delivery is coordinated across the continuum at the proper level of care

Work Performed

Performance Improvement 90%


In conjunction with the Trauma Program Manager and Trauma Medical Director, ensures compliance with the American College of Surgeons standards for Level 1 Trauma Center verification.
Develops, implements, and coordinates PI initiatives for the Trauma Center.
Monitor all PI standards, i.e. audit filters, sentinel events, guideline adherence, variances, etc.
Trauma Center
Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of organizational systems in which plans related to the delivery of patient care services can be developed, implemented, and evaluated.
Ensures that all primary, secondary and tertiary quality review is completed and documented in all Trauma quality indicators.
Assists with development of clinical care guidelines with routine surveillance and reporting of compliance.


Clinical 5%


Supports and adheres to Duke Hospital's policies, procedures, philosophy and mission, applying customer service standards and excellence in attitude and behaviors in performing all job responsibilities.
Act as a liaison between the trauma center and the specialty services caring for trauma patients
Serves as clinical resource and role model for all associates involved in the care of the trauma patient
Responds to L1/2 trauma activations during working hours


Trauma Education/Collaboration 5%


Assess trauma educational needs and participate in provision of education for staff
Actively participates in research and professional practice committees.
Collaborates with the Duke RAC Coordinator to address performance improvement issues of the referring agencies.
Represent the Duke Trauma Center and Emergency Service CSU in a variety of local and regional public forums, to include professional meetings and educational forums.

May include pushing, standing, sitting, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
Frequent interruptions in workflow may occur.
Must possess the ability to work under pressure and manage stressful situations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Supervison Scheduling

Minimum Qualifications

Registered Nurse with a valid unencumbered license in North Carolina, Current ACLS, TNCC preferred
A BSN is required with Master's degree preferred in a healthcare field
Three years' experience in trauma/emergency/prehospital care.
TNCC instructor (Or eligible within 18 months of hire)
National nursing certification required, TCRN preferred.
PALS or ENPC preferred
Effective written and oral communication
Able to cultivate and maintain positive relationships

Education

BSN required

Experience

3 years of nursing experience required

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Current or compact RN licensure in the state of North Carolina required. BLS required.


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



Duke University logo

About Duke University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US


What Duke University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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