RN - Director of Surgery - FT
Position Summary
The Director of Surgical Services is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and operational management of the Surgical Services Department within a rural community hospital setting. This position oversees perioperative services including 4 Operating Rooms, 2 Procedure Rooms, Central Sterile Processing, Pre-Op, PACU, and Same Day Surgery, with responsibility for approximately 30 FTEs.
The Director will ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered care while maintaining operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, and strong physician and staff engagement. This leader will play a key role in supporting surgical growth initiatives and enhancing access to care for the rural communities we serve.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Operational Leadership
- Provide strategic and day-to-day operational oversight for all Surgical Services areas including:
- Operating Rooms
- Procedure Rooms
- Central Sterile Processing
- Pre-Admission/Pre-Operative Services
- PACU
- Same Day Surgery
- Ensure efficient patient flow, staffing utilization, block scheduling, and throughput management.
- Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing leaders, and ancillary departments to support efficient operations and excellent patient outcomes.
- Maintain departmental readiness for emergency and urgent surgical procedures.
- Lead service line growth initiatives and identify opportunities to expand surgical and procedural services in the rural market.
Clinical Quality & Regulatory Compliance
- Promote a culture of patient safety, accountability, and service excellence.
- Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, AORN, infection prevention, and state regulatory requirements.
- Monitor and improve key performance indicators including surgical site infections, first case on-time starts, turnover times, patient satisfaction, and staff engagement.
- Lead quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives across perioperative services.
Financial & Resource Management
- Develop, manage, and monitor departmental operating and capital budgets.
- Oversee productivity management, supply utilization, and cost containment strategies while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Partner with Supply Chain and vendors regarding equipment selection, surgical instrumentation, and capital purchases.
- Support financial stewardship while balancing the unique needs of a rural healthcare environment.
Team Leadership & Development
- Provide leadership and oversight for approximately 30 FTEs including RNs, Surgical Technologists, Sterile Processing staff, and support personnel.
- Foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture focused on accountability, communication, and professional growth.
- Lead recruitment, retention, orientation, coaching, competency validation, and performance management activities.
- Support workforce development and succession planning initiatives.
Physician & Community Collaboration
- Develop strong working relationships with surgeons, proceduralists, and medical staff.
- Collaborate with hospital leadership to improve patient access, physician satisfaction, and community outreach efforts.
- Serve as a liaison between Surgical Services and organizational leadership teams.
Why Join Our Team?
- Opportunity to lead and shape surgical services in a close-knit rural community hospital.
- Collaborative culture with engaged physicians and supportive leadership.
- Meaningful impact on patient care and community health.
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
Competitive salary in addition to a generous benefits package.
Relocation assistance or sign on bonus may be provided.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing required.
- Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
Licensure & Certifications
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state required.
- BLS certification required.
- CNOR certification preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in perioperative services required.
- Prior Director or Manager experience overseeing multi-area surgical services preferred.
- Experience with Central Sterile, PACU, and Same Day Surgery operations strongly preferred.
- Rural healthcare or community hospital experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of perioperative operations, sterile processing standards, and surgical workflow optimization.
- Demonstrated leadership in quality improvement, regulatory readiness, and operational performance.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and physician relationship-building skills.
- Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
- Ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented rural healthcare environment.
