title: Coordination and collaboration of violent trauma care.
abstract: The STC has the luxury of an all RN staff, capable of functioning in any of the surgical specialities. The PTN is a specialitist at being a generalist to provide care to a critically injured population. The role of the PTN is multifaceted and varied; it can be best described as functioning as a multidisciplinary coordinator and case manager in meeting the demands of the violent trauma patient. The patient often enters the OR severely injured, intubated, and incapable of self-protection or determination. The most important function of perioperative nursing is that of patient advocate. No other member of the trauma team is as focal to the patient's safety and comfort as the nurse. Passage from the scene of violent trauma to the OR requires dynamic assessment skills, critical thinking, and organizational capabilities. As long as interpersonal altercation results in intentional trauma, there will be a need for perioperative trauma nurses with the committement and expertise to mend the wounds of violent trauma victims.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D009871:Operating Room Nursing; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014754:Violence