Assistant Clinical Manager - Orthopedics OR
Primary Scope
The Perioperative Assistant Clinical Manager (ACM) provides daily clinical and operational leadership for a specific surgical service line. This role ensures specialty-specific preparedness, staff support, and coordinated patient care in partnership with the Nurse Manager, OR floor coordinators or charge nurses.Key Responsibilities
Clinical & Operational Leadership for Service Line
Direct supervisory responsibility up to 25 FTEs.
Coordinate surgical case flow and resource allocation for assigned service lines in collaboration with the charge nurse to ensure on-time starts, efficient turnovers, and optimal throughput.
Provide real-time clinical support, expertise, and mentoring to RNs and surgical staff.
Review daily schedules for assigned specialties and adjust staffing and resources based on acuity and procedural complexity.
Maintain accurate preference cards and ensure instrument, supply, and equipment readiness for specialty cases.
Act as the primary liaison between surgeons, staff, and leadership for operational and workflow issues.
Staff Development & Human Resource Support
Assist the Nurse Manager with scheduling, staff assignments, evaluations, and performance improvement plans.
Identify staff training needs and coordinate with the Clinical Educator for targeted education.
Support onboarding of new staff and surgeons, ensuring understanding of workflows and expectations.
Foster a respectful, inclusive, and accountable team culture.
Financial & Resource Stewardship
Promote cost-effective care delivery through appropriate use of supplies, implants, equipment, and staff resources.
Monitor service utilization trends and contribute to operational and capital budget planning.
Collaborate with surgeons and leadership to identify and justify capital equipment needs.
Encourage initiatives that improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
Participate in specialty-related quality improvement projects, audits, and performance reviews.
Ensure compliance with hospital policies, union agreements, and regulatory standards, including Joint Commission.
Review documentation for accuracy, particularly regarding implants, counts, and specialty-specific details.
Assist in developing specialty-related policies and protocols.
Leadership Collaboration & Departmental Support
Support the Nurse Manager in executing departmental goals and tactical initiatives.
Provide leadership coverage during the Nurse Manager’s absence to ensure continuity of operations.
Communicate operational issues, resource needs, and service-level concerns to leadership.
Serve on departmental or hospital committees as assigned.
Qualifications
Education: Associate’s degree in nursing (BSN) required; Bachelor’s preferred.
Licensure: Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island or in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant perioperative nursing experience with demonstrated leadership and clinical expertise.
Professional Membership: Active member of AORN and CNOR preferred.
Skills
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities; proficiency in perioperative workflows and resource management.