ASC Director of Nursing

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary / Scope of Responsibility

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is one of the nation’s largest Orthopaedics practices, owned and operated by physicians, with over 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. With approximately 2,000 employees, working in 28 Divisions, CAO is a growing business with revenues of approximately $250 Million. CAO is committed to be the Orthopaedics provider of choice for our patients; partner of choice for payors and health systems; and employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce.

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the oversight and coordination of all clinical services within the Ambulatory Surgery Center. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care while maintaining regulatory compliance, staff competency, and operational efficiency. The DON works in collaboration with the Administrator, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to support safe and effective surgical services in accordance with accreditation and regulatory standards.

Primary Responsibilities

The incumbent may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the Mission, Core Values and Operating Principles of CAO and WMASC.

 

1. Exhibits strong customer service and communication skills in daily interaction with the public, patients, staff, and physicians in the performance of job duties.
2. Functions as a senior staff member handling both routine and complex issues and problems. Counsel patients with regards to more complex inquires, treatment options, and payment concerns. 
3. Direct all clinical functions across pre-op, operating room (OR), and recovery (PACU) areas.
4. Ensure high standards of patient care and compliance with evidence-based nursing practices.
5. Monitor clinical workflows to optimize patient throughput, quality, and safety.
6. Ensure proper use, maintenance, and availability of clinical supplies and equipment.
7. Act as a clinical resource and mentor to nursing and support staff.
8. Assist in hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating nursing and clinical support personnel.
9. Conduct regular performance reviews and implement corrective actions when necessary.
10. Oversee orientation and ongoing competency programs for all clinical staff.
11. Ensure that all nursing staff maintain current licensure, BLS/ACLS certifications, and required continuing education.
12. Lead the Infection Control and Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs.
13. Maintain and review clinical policies, procedures, and protocols in alignment with current standards of care.
14. Participate in audits, inspections, surveys, and assist with plan-of-correction implementations when necessary.
15. Collaborate with surgeons and anesthesia providers to ensure continuity and quality of care.
16. Address and resolve patient and provider concerns related to clinical care or staff performance.
17. Maintain clinical staffing schedules in accordance with surgical volume and budget.
18. Participate in leadership meetings and strategic planning sessions.
19. Assist in preparing and monitoring the clinical operating budget.
20. Ensure accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR/EMR) and participate in chart reviews and audits.
21. Reports all necessary information and/or unusual occurrences in accordance with established policies and procedures.
22. Follows all Federal and State guidelines in accordance with patient privacy (HIPAA), OSHA, etc. as applicable
23. All other duties as assigned

Reporting Relationships

The Director of Nursing reports directly to the Administrator. This role does have direct reports. 

Requirements  Education and Experience

• Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Maryland or compact state.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree in Nursing or Healthcare Administration preferred.
• BLS and ACLS certifications required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of nursing leadership experience, preferably in a surgery center or outpatient setting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of perioperative nursing, infection control, and regulatory compliance.
• Thorough knowledge of electronic medical records, practice management software, medical accounts receivable, billing and collection techniques, managed care, and coding and insurance carrier rules and regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Experience collaborating across multiple functions.
• Experience innovating in a fast-growing work environment and dealing with ambiguity.
• Ambulatory surgery center experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in orthopedics strongly preferred.

Competencies / Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to develop relationships and collaborate and influence in a decentralized organization.
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on employee development and engagement.
• Confident, independent thinker and strong decision-making ability when circumstances warrant such action.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment with a proven track record of results.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience.
• Able to work independently.
• Exudes professionalism in presentation.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in the English language.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted. 
• Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics techniques when performing desk duties. 
• Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting.
• Adequate hearing to perform duties in person and over telephone.
• Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading materials from printed sources and computer screens.