in 2025, the South Sacramento nursing team showcased the extraordinary dedication and adaptability in trauma care. By embracing a revised workflow and championing interdepartmental collaboration, our nurses have set new standards for efficiency and patient-centered care. 

In 2024, our nurses led the way in standardizing the Interventional Radiology (IR) team activation process for trauma cases. Through clear communication, rapid response protocols, and ongoing education, nurses ensured that every team member understood the urgency and expectations — reporting to the department within 30 minutes and striving for a 60-minute benchmark from consult to IR puncture. 

March 2025 marked another leap forward, as our nurses, in partnership with Trauma and Emergency Department (ED) colleagues, streamlined the patient journey from the ER to IR. Nurses took on pivotal roles: one nurse directly connecting with the trauma RN to anticipate patient needs and supplies, while another prepared the IR suite and coordinated seamless patient transfers. Every step was meticulously documented, fostering accountability and continuous improvement. 

The results speak volumes about the impact nurses have on patient outcomes. From January to August 2025, 64% of trauma cases reached IR puncture within 60 minutes, with an average time of just 58 minutes. When early outliers are excluded, the average drops to an outstanding 48 minutes. These achievements not only surpass national benchmarks but also mean faster, safer care for our patients — reducing time to life-saving interventions and supporting better recoveries. 

Our nurses’ commitment to excellence has been recognized with the Trauma Excellence Award, and their work is being shared with the American College of Surgeons. This journey is a testament to the power of nursing leadership, teamwork, and innovation. By continually refining our practice, our nurses ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care — when it matters most.