Director of Surgical Services

The Director of Perioperative Services is a Registered Nurse (RN) leader responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational management, and clinical excellence of all perioperative areas. This includes, but is not limited to, the operating room (OR),  pre-operative holding, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and potentially sterile processing.  The Director ensures the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment for staff. This role requires strong leadership, communication, financial management, and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of perioperative nursing practice and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Planning:
• Develops and implements a strategic plan for perioperative services that aligns with the organization's overall mission, vision, and goals.
• Provides leadership and direction to all perioperative staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Identifies and analyzes trends in healthcare and perioperative practice to anticipate future needs and opportunities.
• Leads and participates in hospital-wide committees and initiatives related to patient safety, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Champions evidence-based practice and innovation in perioperative care.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other key stakeholders.
• Operational Management:
• Oversees the daily operations of all perioperative areas, ensuring efficient patient flow, optimal resource utilization, and adherence to established policies and procedures.
• Develops and manages the perioperative services budget, ensuring financial sustainability and responsible resource allocation.
• Monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) related to patient safety, quality, efficiency, and financial performance.
• Implements strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient satisfaction.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, including those of The Joint Commission, CMS, state licensing agencies, and other relevant organizations.
• Manages vendor relationships and contracts related to perioperative equipment, supplies, and services.
• Oversees the scheduling of surgical procedures and staff to ensure adequate coverage and efficient utilization of OR time.
• Works with Materials Management to ensure appropriate inventory levels of supplies and equipment.
• Develops and implements disaster preparedness and emergency response plans for the perioperative areas.
• Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety:
• Ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care in accordance with established standards of practice.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures to promote patient safety and prevent adverse events.
• Monitors patient outcomes and identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Leads and participates in quality improvement initiatives, such as root cause analysis and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).
• Ensures that all staff are competent and trained to perform their assigned duties.
• Promotes a culture of safety and encourages staff to report errors and near misses.
• Collaborates with infection control to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
• Staff Management and Development:
• Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises perioperative staff.
• Conducts performance evaluations and provides ongoing feedback to staff.
• Develops and implements staff development programs to enhance clinical skills and leadership abilities.
• Mentors and coaches staff to achieve their professional goals.
• Addresses employee relations issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Promotes a positive and supportive work environment.
• Ensures adequate staffing levels to meet patient care needs.
• Manages employee scheduling and timekeeping.
• Supports shared governance and encourages staff participation in decision-making.
• Communication and Collaboration:
• Communicates effectively with all members of the healthcare team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, and other staff.
• Collaborates with other departments to ensure seamless patient care transitions.
• Maintains open and transparent communication with staff, providing regular updates on organizational initiatives and performance.
• Serves as a liaison between the perioperative areas and other departments within the organization.
• Participates in professional organizations and stays abreast of current trends in perioperative nursing

Education/Work Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field, graduation from an accredited school of nursing and a minimum of six years of recent work experience in perioperative nursing that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities, including three years in a supervisory or management capacity.

Equivalent additional qualifying work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/abilities may be substituted for two years of the degree requirement.

Licensure/Certification:

· Current licensure as a Registered Nurse by the Washington State Board of Nursing.
· Current healthcare provider BLS certification from AHA

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award-winning health systems in Washington state  CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington, our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region.  While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry, we’ll take care of you with benefits that include health/dental/vision, FSA, matching retirement plans, paid vacation, adoption assistance, annual bonus eligibility, and more!