In a mass casualty situation, which assignment is appropriate for the trauma nurse manager?

In a mass casualty situation, the trauma nurse manager plays a pivotal role that extends beyond individual patient care, focusing instead on the overall coordination of the healthcare response. Organizing ancillary services is crucial for ensuring that medical personnel have the necessary resources to effectively triage and treat multiple patients simultaneously. This may involve coordinating with different departments such as radiology, pharmacy, and laboratory to expedite the workflow and support the clinical team in providing care.

By organizing these services, the trauma nurse manager can optimize the use of staff and equipment, assure that supplies are available when needed, and streamline communication between different areas of the hospital, all of which are essential in managing a high-volume disaster response efficiently. This role requires an understanding of both clinical needs and operational logistics, making it vital for the nurse manager to focus on broader systemic coordination rather than direct patient care or discharge processes.