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Trauma Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Palomar Health

Trauma RN Team Lead

Escondido, CA · On-site

$55.74 - $81.20/hr

Participates in data collection as required for maintenance of the Trauma Registry. The Registered Nurse shall be responsible for the observation and direction of patient lifts and mobilization and ...

Palomar Health

Trauma RN Team Lead

Escondido, CA · On-site

$55.74 - $81.20/hr

Participates in data collection as required for maintenance of the Trauma Registry. The Registered Nurse shall be responsible for the observation and direction of patient lifts and mobilization and ...

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Trauma Rn information

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How much do trauma rn jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average weekly pay for trauma rn in California is $2,460.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,917.31 and $2,978.85 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Trauma RN?

A Trauma RN is a Registered Nurse who specializes in caring for patients with serious, often life-threatening injuries. These nurses work in trauma centers, emergency rooms, and critical care units, providing rapid assessment, stabilization, and ongoing care. Their responsibilities include administering medications, assisting in procedures, coordinating with the trauma team, and supporting patients and families during critical moments. Trauma RNs need advanced clinical skills, the ability to work under pressure, and specialized training in emergency and trauma care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trauma RN?

To thrive as a Trauma RN, you need advanced clinical assessment skills, rapid decision-making abilities, and a current RN license with trauma-specific certifications like TNCC or ATLS. Familiarity with trauma charts, EHR systems, and specialized life support protocols is essential. Emotional resilience, teamwork, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for handling high-pressure, unpredictable situations. These skills ensure prompt, efficient care for critically injured patients and facilitate effective collaboration in emergency environments.

What are the unique challenges Trauma RNs face when working in a high-acuity environment, and how can they best prepare for them?

Trauma RNs often encounter rapidly changing situations that require quick decision-making, emotional resilience, and strong teamwork. Managing multiple critical patients, prioritizing care under pressure, and coordinating with surgeons, emergency physicians, and ancillary staff are daily realities. Preparation includes honing assessment skills, staying current with trauma protocols, and developing coping strategies for stress. Regular simulation training and debriefings can also help Trauma RNs adapt and thrive in these demanding settings.

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

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

Trauma Rns and Emergency Room Nurses both work in fast-paced hospital settings and require similar certifications. However, Trauma Rns specialize in managing severe trauma cases in trauma centers, while ER Nurses handle a wider range of emergency situations in emergency departments. Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals choose the right career path or job focus.

How much do trauma RNs make?

Trauma RNs typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the hospital setting, shift differentials, and additional skills such as advanced trauma life support (ATLS).

What cities in California are hiring for Trauma Rn jobs?

Cities in California with the most Trauma Rn job openings:

Trauma Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trauma Rn job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,970 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Trauma RN Team Lead

Escondido, CA • On-site

Palomar Health
See more jobs at Palomar Healthexternal

$55.74 - $81.20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide and ensure optimal care for injured patients during resuscitation and initial diagnostic phases.

  • Coordinate and direct trauma patient care, collaborating with the trauma team and ensuring documentation accuracy.

  • Participate in trauma patient rounding, data collection, and preparation of the trauma bay for incoming patients.

Palomar Health rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Department:

Trauma

Union:

CNA

Shift:

12-hour Shift - Day (United States of America)

Hours Per Pay Period:

72

Job Description:

RANGE: $55.74 - $81.20

Posting Date:07/15/2026

Internal Closing Date:7/21/2026

* Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights.

Provides and ensure optimal care for the injured patient during the resuscitation and initial diagnostic phase of care. Acts as a representative of Trauma Services, ensuring patient care is conducted within practice guidelines approved by the hospital, trauma service, and the County. Effectively coordinate and direct care by utilizing critical thinking, interpersonal and technical skills. Acts as a clinical resource to nursing and ancillary staff for trauma patients throughout the continuum of care while promoting and demonstrating an advanced level of nursing care for complex, critically ill patients. Participates in formal and informal educational programs for nursing staff, and precepts as requested. Participates in data collection as required for maintenance of the Trauma Registry. The Registered Nurse shall be responsible for the observation and direction of patient lifts and mobilization and shall participate as needed in patient handling.
Performs shift inventory of required equipment and supplies for Trauma Resus Bay, and in working order. Prepares trauma bay for the arrival of the trauma patient, based on mechanism, pathophysiology, and suspected injuries. Works in concert with the trauma surgeon, to complete both primary and secondary surveys, with appropriate treatments and interventions. Assures completeness and accuracy of documentation in the nursing records during both resuscitation and diagnostic phases of care. In the event of multiple simultaneous trauma activations, collaborates with ED Supervisor/Charge on duty, Trauma Surgeon(s) on call, Trauma Program Manager, House Supervisor in the prioritization of nursing care needs and patient care needs. Track and document all trauma bypass incidences throughout closure and re-opening per protocol.
ssists in patient care in the Emergency Department, in an unencumbered role, including rounding on trauma resource patients in collaboration with the appropriate unit nursing supervisors and as requested and observed/verified by Trauma Program Manager/designee. May accompany trauma ICU patients for diagnostic procedures when appropriate and mutually determined by Department or Unit Supervisors involved. In the event of multiple simultaneous trauma activations, collaborates with ED Supervisor/Charge on duty, Trauma Surgeon(s) on call, Trauma Program Manager, House Supervisor in the prioritization of nursing care needs and patient care needs. Participates in trauma patient rounding for the purposes of trauma performance data collection as needed throughout the Trauma Service Line.
peak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.

Job Requirements

Minimum Education:As required by certification and/or licensure

Preferred Education:Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Preferred Experience: 3 years critical care/trauma
year RN experience at Palomar Health

Preferred Experience: 5 years critical care/trauma
+ years TNCC or ATCN Instructor

Required Certification:Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Emergency RN Pediatric Course (ENPC) within 6 months of hire
risis Prevention (CPI) within 6 months of hire
merican Heart Association recognized Advanced Cardiac Life Support
merican Heart Association recognized BLS - Healthcare Provider
rauma RN Core Curriculum (TNCC) or Advance Trauma Core Nursing (ATCN) one time course completion

Preferred Certification:Certified Critical Care RN or Certified Emergency RN
rauma RN Core Curriculum (TNCC) or Advance Trauma Core Nursing (ATCN) Instructor

Required License: Current CA RN License

Preferred License: Not Applicable

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, gender, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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