Clinical Director of Nursing - Ambulatory Surgery Center (Orthopedic Focus)

About the role

The Clinical Director of Nursing is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and management of all clinical operations within the ambulatory surgery center. This position provides 24-hour accountability for patient care, clinical quality, regulatory compliance, staffing, education, budgeting, and operational performance. The Clinical Director of Nursing works collaboratively with physicians, leadership, and staff to ensure safe, high-quality patient care while maintaining compliance with regulatory agencies and accreditation standards. This role oversees the operating room, pre-admission testing, pre-operative and post-anesthesia care departments and is responsible for developing a strong clinical culture focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

A $5,000 sign-on bonus is offered contingent on having orthopedic experience.

Responsibilities

Clinical Operations

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all clinical operations
• Maintain responsibility for patient care standards, clinical policies, and regulatory compliance
• Ensure the effective implementation of the organization's mission, philosophy, goals, and procedures
• Monitor daily clinical operations to ensure efficient patient flow and optimal patient outcomes
• Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to improve operational efficiency and patient care

Leadership & Staff Management

• Provide direct supervision of the OR RN Manager and Pre/Post Charge Nurse
• Oversee the Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) department including patient readiness and chart review processes
• Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, evaluate, coach, and mentor clinical staff
• Conduct competency assessments and annual performance evaluations
• Address employee relations issues and administer corrective action when appropriate
• Develop succession plans and leadership development initiatives
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and respect

Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Direct the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program
• Develop quality improvement studies and analyze clinical performance data
• Lead quality committee meetings and maintain committee documentation
• Ensure compliance with CMS, ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR), state regulations, accreditation standards, and infection prevention requirements
• Coordinate survey readiness activities throughout the year
• Monitor quality metrics, benchmark performance, and implement corrective action plans

Clinical Education

• Develop and oversee the center's clinical education program
• Coordinate orientation and onboarding for new employees
• Manage annual competencies and required education
• Facilitate clinical in-services and continuing education
• Coordinate training for new equipment, implants, and technology
• Ensure staff remain compliant with mandatory education requirements

Staffing & Financial Management

• Develop staffing plans based on surgical volume and operational needs
• Manage labor utilization and staffing efficiency
• Participate in annual budgeting and financial planning
• Monitor clinical supply utilization and pharmaceutical expenses
• Collaborate with the Materials Manager on inventory management and cost containment initiatives
• Support organizational financial goals while maintaining high-quality patient care

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze patient satisfaction and quality data to identify opportunities for improvement
• Develop action plans to improve operational performance
• Collaborate with sister surgery centers to share best practices
• Implement evidence-based processes that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency

Culture & Patient Experience

• Promote a positive, collaborative work environment
• Address staff, physician, and patient concerns promptly and professionally
• Recognize employee achievements and encourage professional growth
• Lead organizational change initiatives while maintaining employee engagement

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New York
• Minimum of five (5) years of nursing leadership experience with responsibility for personnel, budgeting, and regulatory compliance
• Five (5) to ten (10) years of orthopedic operating room experience
• Current BLS certification
• Current ACLS certification
• Knowledge of ambulatory surgery center regulations and accreditation standards
• Demonstrated leadership experience in quality improvement and clinical operations
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record systems
• Ability to interpret operational reports and quality data
• Ability to work flexible hours based on operational needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing
• Previous Ambulatory Surgery Center leadership experience
• Experience managing CMS ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR)
• Experience leading QAPI programs
• Experience preparing for accreditation or regulatory surveys
• PALS certification

Skills

• Strong clinical leadership and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of orthopedic surgical procedures, instrumentation, and implants
• Thorough understanding of infection prevention and patient safety standards
• Strong financial and operational management skills
• Ability to analyze clinical and operational data
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with physicians and staff
• Effective conflict resolution and coaching skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced surgical environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, and lifting
• Ability to lift or assist with lifting up to 50 pounds
• Visual acuity sufficient to assess patient conditions and read electronic documentation
• Auditory ability sufficient to hear alarms, overhead pages, telephones, and patient needs
• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies
• Ability to sit for extended periods while completing administrative responsibilities

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a climate-controlled ambulatory surgery center with exposure to surgical equipment, biological materials, radiation from imaging equipment, and cleaning chemicals. This position requires adherence to Universal Precautions and infection prevention protocols. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided.