Surgical Services Assistant Director

Overview

The Assistant Director of Surgical Services, RN supports the Director of Surgical Services in the clinical and operational oversight of perioperative services (including diagnostic and interventional procedures) to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, and efficient patient care. This role provides direct clinical leadership and supervision for surgical services staff and collaborates with physicians, anesthesia providers, sterile processing, and ancillary departments to support excellence in perioperative practice.

The Assistant Director of Surgical Services, RN is an advanced practice health care professional who is clinically experienced in the areas of administrative responsibility and competent in the application of management principles who formally participates in institutional planning and decision making. 

The Assistant Director of Surgical Services, RN has responsibility, authority, and accountability for implementation and maintenance of clinical standards.  With the unique combination of clinical, fiscal, and management expertise, the manager is in a key position to promote effective and cost efficient care of patients in the Operating Room, PACU, Pre-Op, GI, Endoscopy, Sterile Processing, and other procedural areas such as: Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory/ IR environment.

The Assistant Director of Surgical Services, RN is the leader and role model for professional practice conducted in the Operating Room, PACU, Pre-Op, GI, Endoscopy, Sterile Processing, and other procedural areas such as: Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory/ IR environment.. The management of the procedural areas requires a knowledge base, skills, and competencies in clinical practice and administration. It is the shared responsibility of the manager and the director of Surgical Services to develop and maintain administrative accountabilities that include but are not limited to:

Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Provide clinical oversight and supervision of perioperative services, including Operating Room, PACU, Pre-Op, GI, Endoscopy, Sterile Processing, and other procedural areas as assigned
• Ensure compliance with nursing standards of practice, hospital policies, infection prevention standards, and regulatory requirements
• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor to perioperative staff
• Participate in patient care rounds, case reviews, quality initiatives, and clinical performance improvement activities
• Assist with development and implementation of clinical policies, procedures, competencies, and education programs
• Monitor patient safety indicators, infection prevention measures, and clinical outcomes

Operational Oversight

• Assist with daily department operations including staffing coordination, patient flow, scheduling efficiency, and resource allocation
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and department leadership to improve operational efficiency and patient experience
• Support department productivity, throughput, turnover time initiatives, and block utilization management
• Participate in budgeting, supply utilization oversight, and capital equipment planning
• Assist with survey readiness activities and compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, Title 22, and other regulatory standards

Staff Supervision & Development

• Assist with hiring, orientation, competency validation, coaching, and performance evaluations of perioperative staff
• Promote employee engagement, teamwork, accountability, and professional development
• Address employee concerns and assist with corrective action processes when necessary
• Support scheduling and staffing plans to maintain safe patient care coverage

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, peer review activities, and patient safety programs
• Monitor compliance with perioperative documentation, time-out procedures, medication safety, and sterile technique practices
• Assist with regulatory inspections, audits, and corrective action plans
• Promote adherence to AORN standards and evidence-based perioperative practice

Qualifications