Director of Nursing

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Director of Nursing (DON) to lead clinical operations in a fast-paced Ambulatory Surgery Center with a strong focus on orthopedic procedures. This role requires a hands-on leader with Operating Room (OR) expertise, capable of overseeing all perioperative services while ensuring exceptional patient outcomes, physician satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

The DON will play a critical role in optimizing surgical workflows, particularly in orthopedic cases, including joint procedures, sports medicine, and pain management procedures.

Responsibilities

Operating Room Leadership

Provide direct oversight of OR operations, ensuring efficient case flow, on-time starts, and turnover optimization.

• Serve as the clinical subject matter expert for orthopedic surgical services, including instrumentation, implants, and case coordination.
• Collaborate closely with surgeons to support procedural efficiency and preference standardization.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, competencies, and training specific to orthopedic procedures.
• Knowledge of sterile processing and ensure proper handling of orthopedic instrumentation and implants.

Clinical Operations

• Lead all perioperative areas: Pre-op, OR, PACU, and Sterile Processing; including Front Office.
• Drive process improvements to enhance surgical throughput and patient safety.
• Monitor clinical quality metrics, including infection prevention and surgical outcomes.
• Implement evidence-based practices specific to orthopedic care.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality

• Ensure compliance with CMS, AAAHC, and state regulations.
• Lead quality assurance, infection control, and performance improvement initiatives with a focus on surgical excellence.
• Maintain survey readiness and oversee accreditation processes.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing perioperative nursing team.
• Maintain education and competency programs for all staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Physician Partnership & Business Operations

• Build strong relationships with orthopedic surgeons and anesthesia providers.
• Participate in budgeting, case costing, implant management, and vendor relations.
• Support growth of orthopedic service lines and efficiency initiatives.

Qualifications

• BSN required

• Active RN license in California required
• Minimum 5+ years of perioperative nursing experience with strong OR background required

• Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience in surgical services or ASC setting
• Strong knowledge of OR workflows, sterile technique, and surgical instrumentation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Current BLS, ACLS required

Preferred Qualifications

• CNOR certification strongly preferred

• Significant orthopedic surgery experience preferred (e.g., total joints, sports medicine, spine)
• Experience managing high-volume orthopedic cases in an ASC setting

• Experience with implant systems, vendor coordination, and cost containment
• Proven success improving OR efficiency metrics (turnover times, block utilization)

• Electronic Medical Record experience; EPIC experience preferred

Skills

• Expertise in Operating Room operations
• Strong orthopedic clinical knowledge
• Leadership and team development
• Physician relationship management
• Operational and regulatory excellence

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Employer Sponsored Life & AD&D Insurance and Long-Term Disability Plan
• 401(k)
• Various Time Off Banks, including 7 paid holidays
• Continuing education and certification support