Nursing Director - Surgical Services

Job Description

Nursing Director-Surgical Services

Location: Detroit, MI
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $100,000 - $150,000 annually


Position Overview
Wheeler Staffing Partners is seeking an experienced Nursing Director-Surgical Services to provide operational and clinical leadership across surgical services in Detroit, Michigan. This leadership role oversees the strategic direction, operational performance, and quality outcomes for perioperative departments including the Operating Room (OR), Pre-Operative Services, and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).


The Director will partner closely with executive nursing leadership and interdisciplinary teams to ensure efficient perioperative operations, strong clinical outcomes, regulatory compliance, and an exceptional patient experience. This role is responsible for leading departmental strategy, driving process improvement initiatives, managing budgets, and overseeing staff development while maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations and accreditation standards.


The ideal candidate is an experienced perioperative leader with a strong clinical background, proven management experience at the Director or Assistant Director level , and the ability to lead complex surgical services in a fast-paced healthcare environment.


Key Responsibilities

Perioperative Operations Leadership

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for perioperative services including Operating Room, Surgical Services, Pre-Op, and PACU .
• Ensure efficient coordination of surgical services to optimize patient flow, safety, and clinical outcomes.
• Develop and monitor departmental processes to improve operational efficiency and quality of care.
• Lead multidisciplinary collaboration across nursing, surgical teams, and support departments.

Strategic Planning and Program Development

• Support the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Contribute to capital planning, equipment standardization, and strategic growth initiatives for perioperative services.
• Participate in organizational planning efforts and recommend improvements to service delivery models.
• Identify opportunities for program development and process improvement.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure departmental compliance with Joint Commission standards, healthcare regulations, and organizational policies .
• Coordinate accreditation readiness activities and support regulatory survey processes.
• Implement recommendations from internal and external audits.
• Monitor quality metrics and implement performance improvement initiatives.

Financial and Operational Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, including staffing, equipment, and operational expenses.
• Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency.
• Conduct performance reviews and financial forecasting for perioperative operations.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to perioperative clinical staff and leaders.
• Approve and manage personnel actions including hiring, discipline, and performance evaluations.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support recruitment, retention, and workforce planning efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with clinical leadership, physicians, and administrative teams to improve perioperative performance.
• Serve as a key liaison between surgical services and organizational leadership.
• Support diversity initiatives and supplier engagement across departmental operations.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree required (MSN, MHA, MBA, or related healthcare leadership field)
• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Michigan
• 7+ years of progressively responsible clinical and/or leadership experience
• Previous experience at the Director or Assistant Director level preferred
• Strong background in Perioperative Services , including:
  
  
  • Operating Room (OR)
  • Surgical Services
  • Pre-Operative Services
  • PACU

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
• Experience managing complex healthcare operations and regulatory requirements
• Project management skills with the ability to lead operational initiatives
• Financial management and budgeting experience
• Ability to drive operational improvements and strategic initiatives
• Strong knowledge of healthcare regulatory standards and accreditation processes

Education

• Master's Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or a related field required

OR

• Two degrees with one degree in Nursing

Work Environment

• Fast-paced healthcare environment supporting perioperative services
• Leadership role overseeing multiple clinical departments and teams
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and senior leadership

Why Work with Wheeler Staffing Partners?
Wheeler Staffing Partners is a trusted staffing and recruiting firm dedicated to connecting top talent with exceptional career opportunities. We take a personalized approach to every placement, ensuring alignment between your skills, experience, and long-term career goals. Our team provides ongoing support, resume guidance, interview preparation, and career coaching throughout the hiring process. When you partner with Wheeler Staffing Partners, you gain a dedicated advocate committed to helping you succeed and grow in your career.

Meet Your Recruiter

Diana Nelson