Director of Operating Room

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Surgery Services manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities of the Department of Surgery. This position is responsible for departmental standards, organization, patient safety, and the patient care process, while developing the management expertise of assigned staff members to meet the needs of the hospital.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and implement departmental policies and procedures, philosophy, objectives, and standards.

• Train department staff in the overall operation of the department and monitor the departmental budget.

• Participate in planning physical facilities and utilization of operating room space.

• Assign staff responsibilities and monitor department activities to ensure efficiency and accuracy of procedures.

• Evaluate products and systems utilized within the Department of Surgery and implement protocols for surgical procedures.

• Develop protocols for new and revised procedures and equipment use.

• Implement and supervise operating room safety policies and procedures, including requirements related to the handling and disposal of surgical materials and tissues.

• Assist in coordinating activities with other departments and resolving operating problems.

• Perform the duties of an operating room nurse as needed.

• Coordinate interactions between the Department of Surgery and other hospital departments.

• Oversee preparation of the annual departmental budget for review.

• Prepare departmental statistical reports.

• Develop policies and procedures and ensure proper maintenance of records, manuals, and quality control measures.

• Select, evaluate, and discipline department staff.

• Participate in the selection of equipment and supplies and monitor their care and maintenance.

• Develop policies and procedures governing the use and availability of departmental services.

• Supervise the department's charge and billing system.

• Determine topics to be addressed and monitored for departmental quality of care.

• Supervise departmental compliance with AOA standards and other governmental regulations related to licensure and safety.

• Develop and implement techniques, programs, problem-identification processes, and continuing quality assurance activities designed to improve patient care.

• Review purchases of capital equipment as needed.

• Review monthly employee work schedules while maintaining the ratio of procedures to man-hours.

• Promote safety awareness and ensure proper reporting of on-duty employee injuries and safety hazards.

• Counsel department personnel when clarification or guidance is needed.

• Attend staff meetings to remain informed of hospital policies, assist in their development, and present and interpret policies to department staff.

• Assume responsibility for departmental personnel matters related to employment, training, termination, and employee grievances.

• Perform other assigned duties as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience as a surgical nurse and recovery room nurse.

• Knowledge of asset and supply inventory, processing, and distribution.

• Ability to remain calm and professional during surgical procedures, including crisis and emergency situations.

• Ability to apply immediate post-operative care knowledge in daily clinical practice.

• Ability to develop cooperative and therapeutic relationships with members of the surgical team.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships.

• Ability to cooperate with on-call coverage and respond to assignment changes in a timely manner.

• Ability to use specialized medical skills in caring for sick or handicapped patients.

• Ability to assess the needs of a job function and adjust accordingly.

• Ability to understand and use scientific and technical language and symbols.

• Ability to recognize slight differences in shape, color, and texture.

• Ability to use the eyes, hands, and fingers to operate delicate and sensitive equipment.

• Ability to work precisely and accurately.

• Ability to follow technical instructions presented orally, in writing, or through charts and drawings.

• Ability to use measurable and verifiable information when making decisions or judgments.

• Knowledge of departmental equipment and equipment maintenance techniques.

• Familiarity with the work and limitations of licensed workers in the operating room.

• Ability to provide instructions and supervise staff.

• Ability to estimate and determine the time and resources required for the effective functioning of the department.

• Ability to work effectively with coworkers, visitors, supervisors, and others.

Qualifications

Education and Certifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing or Administration preferred.

• State of Florida Nursing License required.

• CPR-C certification required.

• ACLS certification required.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of successful clinical experience in operating room and recovery room nursing management.

• Experience in processing and distributing supplies.

• Experience in departmental budget planning and in-service education.

Job Knowledge

Comprehensive knowledge of general nursing and surgical nursing theory and practice, supply processing and distribution systems and procedures, developments in nursing applications, and personnel administration.

The Director of Surgery Services must be able to provide leadership, serve as a liaison between physicians and staff, and design and monitor various functional systems.

Physical Demands

Medium work: Requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently to move objects. The position requires walking or standing to a significant degree and requires sitting for a minimal amount of time.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily indoors with protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes.

The position may involve:

• Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases.

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

• Exposure to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids, and wastes.

• Exposure to hazards associated with flammable and explosive gases.

Additional Requirements

The position requires the ability to solve practical problems, interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, and schedule-based instructions, read and understand technical materials, prepare properly formatted written reports, and communicate clearly and professionally.