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.

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

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Key Responsibilities

• 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

Department Overview

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.

Department Specific Job Scope

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.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $9,747.48-$20,107.44
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: 225
• UC Job Title: PAT NAVGTR CLIN 4 HX
• UC Job Code: 004914
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): 0800 - 1700, Monday - Friday
• Location: 48X (4868XST) - Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks