Director of Surgical Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Surgical Services provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and clinical direction for Surgical Services, including the Operating Room (OR), Pre-Operative, PACU, Sterile Processing, and procedural areas. Responsible for ensuring high-quality, safe, and efficient patient care while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises all Surgical Services employees.

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assume final responsibility for the formulation and implementation of a nursing philosophy and objectives congruent with the stated goals of the hospital
• Responsible for the development of policy, procedures, and staffing patterns essential to the achievement of the philosophy and the objectives. Review and revise these annually to meet trends in nursing practice and patient services.
• Act as a patient advocate during the perioperative process to promote safety and the highest quality of care. 
• Responsible for planning future needs of the department, including the following: Personnel, Program Development, Facilities, Equipment, Relationships with other clinical units, Relationships with hospital support services, and to involve appropriate medical staff and administrative staff in the planning process.
• Promote patient satisfaction through ongoing monitoring of quality improvement initiatives and department work processes.
• Provide input into the development of operational budgets in support of strategic plans and goals.
• Recommend short and long-range goals for the Surgery department to the CNO as well as strategies for attaining those goals.
• Monitor operating costs to determine that effective cost containment procedures are enforced and do not impact negatively on the quality of care. 
• Responsible for evaluation of programs and patient care activities as related to the department.
• Assume primary planning responsibilities in designing new facilities or in remodeling existing facilities.
• Responsible for unit compliance with regulating standards including Medicare and DNV certification and licensure requirements.
• Responsible for developing an organizational structure, assigning responsibilities, and delegating authority that will facilitate safe, effective care for the surgical patient.
• Establish and maintain standards of nursing care within the departments.
• Analyze and evaluate nursing care in relation to the established standards.
• Responsible for the scope of nursing practice and its mode of delivery within the department.
• Function as a facilitator to ensure the provision of adequate resources so that nursing objectives can be met in the most cost-effective manner (scheduling of surgical procedures and staff).
• Responsible for collaborating on levels of performance for the following support services: Housekeeping, Sterile supply, Laundry, Maintenance, Recovery Room, Ambulatory Services, Surgery Department, and Purchasing
• Responsible for monitoring monthly fiscal reports, using this information to change departmental practices when appropriate.
• Responsible for controlling costs and maximizing patient revenues by supervising the processing of appropriate charges.
• Act as a resource for problem identification and resolution.
• Responsible for the recruitment of nursing personnel within the Surgery, Recovery Room, and Out-patient Surgery Departments. 
• Responsible for departmental personnel policies that provide job satisfaction, professional growth, development, and retention of employees.
• Interpret and disseminate information on hospital-wide policies and new programs and other pertinent information to staff within the department.
• Contribute to the development of programs appropriate to meet the changing needs of the surgical population, assuring the provision of adequate services that are relevant and accessible.
• Consult and supervise the departmental Performance Improvement program and disaster plan.
• Consult and supervise the collection of all required records and reports, OR records, monthly statistical reports, patient charges, unusual occurrence reports, personnel records, and time cards.
• Maintain knowledge of surgical specialties and obtain competencies for all department positions offered in this facility.
• Organize and oversee departmental in-services and training.
• Maintain professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
• Contribute to the development of institutional programs and policies through participation in department managers’ meetings.
• Create in-services regarding core competencies based upon evidence-based practice for an environment that is conducive to learning and professional growth.
• Demonstrate an advanced level of clinical skills and the ability to support others to achieve the delivery of quality care.
• When appropriate, provide direct patient care.
• Provide exemplary customer service.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Perform other related duties to benefit the mission of the organization. 

JOB-RELATED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to plan strategically and provide operational leadership 
• Team building, mentoring, and staff development abilities
• Performance management and accountability abilities
• Conflict resolution and decision-making abilities
• Change management and organizational improvement experience
• Oversight of perioperative services (OR, PACU, Sterile Processing) 
• Knowledge of Surgical workflow optimization and scheduling efficiency 
• Patient safety and quality assurance compliance 
• Knowledge of surgical procedures, protocols, and standards 
• Knowledge of Infection prevention and control practices
• Ability to learn DNV readiness and accreditation compliance
• Understanding of CMS, OSHA, and state healthcare regulations
• Experience with policy development and implementation
• Understanding of Risk management and audit preparation

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in nursing required and or Master’s degree preferred
• In lieu of education requirement, 8 years of experience required
• Pursuant of bachelor's degree within 18 months of hire
• At least 4 years of nursing experience required
• Valid RN license in Texas required.
• BLS, ACLS, and PALS required.
• CNOR or similar certification preferred

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer, standing and/or walking.
• Physical strength and endurance to include: Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds at times, strength to push or pull up to 50 pounds when moving equipment or patients.
• Frequent bending/stooping/reaching/twisting; Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization’s physical premises.
• Use of hands and fingers for a wide range of tasks, including grasping, writing, typing, and operating small medical equipment; Fine motor control: Sufficient dexterity for tasks such as picking up small objects, and manipulating syringes
• Adequate vision is required to assess patients and provide patients and staff with a safe environment. Adequate hearing to assess patients, and communicate well with staff, medical staff, peers, and patients.
• Stress Level: Moderate to High

OSHA CLASSIFICATION

Category I: Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

• All procedures or other job-related tasks involving an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids, or tissues, or a potential for spills or splashes of them are Category I tasks. Use of appropriate protective measures, such as gloves, masks, goggles, and a gown are required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.