Director of Nursing – Surgical Services
Job Title: Director
of Nursing – Surgical Services
Department: Surgical Services (OR, Day Surgery, Pré/Post PACU, Endoscopy,
Central Sterile & Supply, Anesthesia)
Reports To: Chief Nursing Officer
Location: East Houston Medical Center – Houston, Texas
Position Summary
The Director of Nursing for Surgical Services provides
executive oversight and strategic direction for all perioperative departments,
including Operating Rooms, Day Surgery, OPS, Pre- and Post-PACU, Holding, PACE,
Central Sterile Processing, Anesthesia, and Endoscopy. This leader ensures the
highest standards of clinical excellence, patient safety, and operational
performance are achieved in alignment with East Houston Medical Center’s
mission and values.
This
position is accountable for the consistent delivery of high-quality,
cost-effective, and patient-focused care through effective staffing, clinical
oversight, regulatory compliance, and partnership across multidisciplinary
teams. The Director actively cultivates a culture of collaboration,
empowerment, and continuous improvement, ensuring that nursing practice meets
both state and national standards of perioperative excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide
strategic, administrative, and clinical leadership over Surgical Services,
ensuring safe, quality-driven, and efficient patient care across all areas
of responsibility.
- Develop
and implement operational goals, quality measures, and performance
improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and departmental
efficiency.
- Ensure
compliance with all regulatory, accreditation, and clinical standards
related to perioperative care and hospital policy.
- Manage
the departmental budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource
optimization while maintaining patient safety and satisfaction.
- Lead,
mentor, and develop nursing leadership and staff to achieve professional
growth, team engagement, and exceptional service delivery.
- Collaborate
with physicians, anesthesia providers, and interdisciplinary teams to
maintain seamless coordination throughout the surgical continuum of care.
- Oversee
and monitor staffing levels, skill mix, and workforce development
strategies tailored to current and projected surgical volumes.
- Serve
as a visible leader and role model of nursing excellence, clinical
professionalism, and patient-centered care.
- Support evidence-based
practices, clinical innovation, and ongoing education within Surgical
Services.
Requirements
Education and Certification
Required:
- Bachelor
of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution
- Current
Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Texas
- Basic
Life Support (BLS) certification
- Advanced
Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Pediatric
Advance Life Support (PALS) certification
- Perioperative
Leadership and Administration (PLAS) certification, a plus
Preferred:
- Master’s Degree in
Nursing (MSN) or related healthcare leadership field
- Certified Nurse
Operating Room (CNOR) certification
Experience Requirements
- Minimum
of 1–2 years in a nursing management or supervisory role
- Proven
leadership experience within an acute care hospital setting
- Strong
background in Surgical Services or Perioperative Nursing Practice
Leadership Attributes
- Demonstrated
ability to lead diverse teams with integrity, fairness, and clinical
expertise
- Strategic
thinker capable of aligning department objectives with organizational
priorities
- Exceptional
communication and relationship-building skills across multidisciplinary
teams
- Analytical,
data-driven decision-maker with a focus on operational efficiency and
patient outcomes