Assistant Nurse Manager - Operating Room

Job Title: Assistant Nurse Manager- Operating Room (OR)

Location: Sacramento, CA (100% On-site)

Position Type: Full-time / Regular

Shift / Schedule: 24/7 Operational Environment

Compensation: $222,000 – $229,000 / year (Eligible for Annual Merit Increase & Annual Bonus)

Relocation Assistance: Case-by-case basis

Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced Assistant Nurse Manager – Operating Room to oversee daily clinical operations, drive high-quality surgical care, and lead nursing staff within a fast-paced, 24/7 operating room environment.

In this leadership role, you will collaborate with Nursing Clinical Practice, surgical teams, physicians, and department heads to ensure optimal patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and strict regulatory compliance. You will play a vital role in resource allocation, continuous performance improvement, staff mentorship, and survey readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Staff Leadership

• Daily Operations: Oversee and coordinate the daily clinical activities of the Operating Room to support a 24/7 environment, ensuring smooth throughput, proper staffing levels, and optimal resource utilization.
• Team Development: Solicit performance feedback, conduct coaching, mentor staff, and delegate responsibilities to promote professional growth and high-performing clinical teams.
• Administrative Management: Facilitate team meetings, manage administrative workflows, track department metrics, and assist in meeting departmental budget targets and productivity goals.

Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Compliance & Standards: Ensure all care delivery meets or exceeds the California Nursing Practice Act, The Joint Commission (TJC), and federal, state, and local regulatory standards.
• Survey Readiness: Lead continuous survey readiness activities, including mock rounds, audit documentation preparation, and immediate mitigation of compliance gaps.
• Emergency Preparedness: Support, update, and train surgical staff on emergency preparedness plans and recovery operations.
• Quality & Risk Management: Monitor clinical quality and safety protocols, participate in risk management reviews, address escalated care concerns, and foster a safe environment for both patients and healthcare staff.

Strategic & Process Improvement

• Process Optimization: Participate in cross-functional strategic projects to enhance surgical service workflows, patient safety, operating efficiency, and care continuity.
• Labor Relations & Collaboration: Build strong, collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams, physicians, outside providers, and labor union stakeholders.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensure: Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) License in California (required at hire).
• Certifications: Active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (required at hire).
• Clinical Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience as an OR Registered Nurse .
• Leadership Experience: Minimum 1 year of formal or informal leadership experience (e.g., Charge Nurse, Lead RN, Preceptor, Supervisor, or Coordinator).
• Education: Associate degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Business, or a related field (plus applicable clinical/operational experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master’s in Nursing/Healthcare Administration.
• Certifications: Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR).
• Core Competencies:
  • Hands-on experience with multi-unit hospital operations and nursing resource allocation.
  • Proven track record with Joint Commission compliance, survey readiness, and mock rounds.
  • Strong foundation in healthcare labor relations, budget management, and clinical risk mitigation.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Travel: Up to 5% local travel as needed.
• Shift Expectations: Must be willing to support a 24/7 operating unit, including occasional off-shift, weekend, or holiday operational support if required.