Jennifer James
Little Rock,AR
Summary
Dynamic Level 1 Trauma Center shift leader at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, excelling in emergency response and team coordination. Spearheaded high-quality patient care. Expert in medication administration and patient advocacy, fostering a compassionate environment. Proven track record in complex problem-solving and staff leadership, driving optimal service delivery in high-pressure situations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Trauma Shift Team Leader
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Little Rock, AR
01.2006 - Current
- Serve as the primary clinical leader for all trauma cases during the assigned shift.
- Led team in delivering high-quality patient care and coordinated nightly operations for optimal service delivery.
- Coordinate rapid room setup and staff assignments for emergent trauma surgeries.
- Function as charge nurse for trauma ORs when designated.
- Act as a clinical resource and mentor for OR staff.
- Facilitate immediate readiness of trauma operating rooms (equipment, instrumentation, implants, blood products).
- Oversee preparation for high-acuity cases
- Collaborate with anesthesia, surgical teams, and trauma services to prioritize cases.
- Monitor patient flow from ED to OR to ICU.
- Anticipate equipment and supply needs based on mechanism of injury.
- Serve as the primary liaison between:
Trauma surgeons
Anesthesia providers
Emergency Department staff
ICU teams
Blood bank and radiology - Participate in trauma activations and huddles.
- Communicate updates regarding OR availability and readiness.
- Escalate concerns related to patient safety or resource limitations.
- Assign staff based on acuity and competencies.
- Reallocate staff in response to multiple trauma activations.
- Coordinate call-ins or additional staffing during surge events.
- Ensure proper relief and break coverage while maintaining trauma readiness.
- Ensure adherence to sterile technique and AORN standards.
- Oversee compliance with surgical safety checklists and time-outs.
- Monitor infection prevention protocols.
- Identify and mitigate intraoperative safety risks.
- Confirm availability and functionality of:
Rapid infusers
Cell saver
Trauma carts
Specialty trays
Massive transfusion supplies - Coordinate with sterile processing and materials management.
- Ensure emergency backup equipment is readily accessible.
- Verify accurate intraoperative documentation.
- Ensure compliance with hospital policy, trauma verification standards and regulatory agencies.
- Complete shift reports and staffing documentation.
- Document incident reports as needed.
- Precept new OR nurses in trauma protocols.
- Facilitate mock trauma drills and simulations.
- Support continuing education and competency validation.
- Provide real-time coaching during complex cases.
- Lead response during mass casualty incidents (MCI).
- Coordinate trauma OR expansion plan during surge events.
- Participate in hospital-wide disaster drills.
- Conduct shift huddles and debriefings.
- Provide performance feedback to staff.
- Assist with scheduling input and workflow improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with OR management on policy development.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Washington Regional Medical Center
Fayetteville, AR
01.2001 - 06.2005
Education
Nursing
Har-Ber School of Nursing
Springdale, ARSkills
Medication and IV administration
Medication administration
Direct patient care
Patient assessments
Documentation and charting
Patient assessment
Strong clinical judgment
Clinical judgment
Patient and family advocacy
Infection control measures
Compassion and empathy
Patient monitoring
Licensed RN
Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
Taking vitals
Nursing staff leadership
Precepting
Lab result interpretation
Team coordination
Complex Problem-solving
Proper catheter insertion/removal
Emergency response
Maintaining privacy
Vaccine administration
EMR / EHR
High level of autonomy
Procedure preparations
Staff supervision
Emergency procedures
Certification
ACLS
PALS
BLS
CNOR
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Trauma Shift Team Leader
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
01.2006 - Current
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Washington Regional Medical Center
01.2001 - 06.2005
Nursing
Har-Ber School of Nursing