Director of Surgical Services - Registered Nurse (RN)

Department: Surgery Services 

Reports To: Chief Nursing Officer 

Positions Supervised:

   - Perioperative Registered Nurse; Surgical Technician; Sterile Processing Technician

Position Summary: In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, the Director of Surgical Services is responsible for the delivery of safe patient care throughout the continuum of the perioperative time period (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases).  Will direct functions of the sterile processing department and effectively manage department operations through appropriate resource utilization. Will lead and evaluate perioperative personnel in the performance of essential job functions. Will also administer department meetings, quality improvement activities, policy and procedure development, and staff training. 

Education and/or Experience:

• Baccalaureate Degree in nursing is required.
• 3+ years clinical experience in the perioperative setting required
• Management experience preferred

Essential Job Functions Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance

• Ensures compliance with patient safety standards in perioperative services and sterile processing in accordance with regulatory agencies and professional organizations including but not limited to: CMS, DHHS, CDC, AORN, IAHCSMM, AAMI, and SGNA.
• Ensures departmental compliance with organizational policies and procedures and regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Writes and maintains policies regarding the perioperative area in compliance with the above certifying and professional organizations.

Staffing

• Ensures appropriate staffing levels for the perioperative area

Equipment

• Ensure equipment and supplies are available for perioperative and sterile processing staff.

Education

• Knowledge of AORN, ASPAN, SGNA, IAHCSMM, AAMI standards, CMS regulations, Nurse Practice Act, Patient’s rights, States consent law, medical staff bylaws, hospital fire and safety plan, perioperative care of the surgical patient, specialized equipment, anesthesia agents and their usage and effect on post-operative patients.
• Pursues professional growth by developing and/or participating in educational programs and activities, conferences, workshops, interdisciplinary professional meetings, and self-directed learning.
• Provides education and ensure competency of those working in the perioperative and sterile processing setting.

Collaboration

• Works in collaboration with acute care staff to promote appropriate patient outcomes.
• Educates floor staff on the post-operative care of surgical patients.
• Works in collaboration with medical staff to develop protocols for pre-and post-operative care of patients at KCHS.
• Works in collaboration with anesthesia services to ensure patient safety in the perioperative area.

Analytical Thinking

• Incorporates evidence-based knowledge into decisions for the provision of safe, patient-centered care throughout perioperative services.

Quality

• Collects and analyzes data related to quality and performance improvement projects that apply to perioperative services.
• Participates in the hospital’s Quality Improvement plan by gathering and analyzing data associated with continuous improvement of care and services.
• Monitors quality of care and any problems/ concerns that would impede quality care by interacting with patients/ families and monitoring care and provider competency on an ongoing basis.