Job Title: Director of Surgical Services

Department: Surgery Services 

Reports To: Chief Nursing Officer 

Positions Supervised:

   - Perioperative Registered Nurse

   - Surgical Technician

   - Sterile Processing Technician

Position Summary: In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, the Director of Surgical Services is responsible for the delivery of safe patient care throughout the continuum of the perioperative time period (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases).  Will direct functions of the sterile processing department and effectively manage department operations through appropriate resource utilization. Will lead and evaluate perioperative personnel in the performance of essential job functions. Will also administer department meetings, quality improvement activities, policy and procedure development, and staff training. 

Essential Job Functions Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance

• Ensures compliance with patient safety standards in perioperative services and sterile processing in accordance with regulatory agencies and professional organizations including but not limited to: CMS, DHHS, CDC, AORN, IAHCSMM, AAMI, and SGNA.
• Ensures departmental compliance with organizational policies and procedures and regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Writes and maintains policies regarding the perioperative area in compliance with the above certifying and professional organizations.

Staffing

• Ensures appropriate staffing levels for the perioperative area

Equipment

• Ensure equipment and supplies are available for perioperative and sterile processing staff.

Education

• Knowledge of AORN, ASPAN, SGNA, IAHCSMM, AAMI standards, CMS regulations, Nurse Practice Act, Patient’s rights, States consent law, medical staff bylaws, hospital fire and safety plan, perioperative care of the surgical patient, specialized equipment, anesthesia agents and their usage and effect on post-operative patients.
• Pursues professional growth by developing and/or participating in educational programs and activities, conferences, workshops, interdisciplinary professional meetings, and self-directed learning.
• Provides education and ensure competency of those working in the perioperative and sterile processing setting.

Collaboration

• Works in collaboration with acute care staff to promote appropriate patient outcomes.
• Educates floor staff on the post-operative care of surgical patients.
• Works in collaboration with medical staff to develop protocols for pre-and post-operative care of patients at KCHS.
• Works in collaboration with anesthesia services to ensure patient safety in the perioperative area.

Analytical Thinking

• Incorporates evidence-based knowledge into decisions for the provision of safe, patient-centered care throughout perioperative services.

Quality

• Collects and analyzes data related to quality and performance improvement projects that apply to perioperative services.
• Participates in the hospital’s Quality Improvement plan by gathering and analyzing data associated with continuous improvement of care and services.
• Monitors quality of care and any problems/ concerns that would impede quality care by interacting with patients/ families and monitoring care and provider competency on an ongoing basis.

General Requirements:

Personal Responsibilities

• Works in harmony with assigned co-workers and other department staff.
• Is punctual in attendance. Adjusts personal schedule to work as scheduled. Provides proper notification for absence as per hospital policy.
• Accepts and responds to constructive criticism, assigned duties and suggestions in a cooperative manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change
• Completes assignments accurately and on time.
• Participates in continuing education programs and staff meetings as evidenced by attendance records.
• Where applicable, floats to other areas as assigned; responds to floating requested with a positive attitude.
• Willingly accepts assignments to special projects.
• Attentive to detail, record-keeping and required paperwork inherent to the position.
• Demonstrates kindness, courteousness, and sensitivity to patients, families, physicians, co-workers and visitors at all times.
• Appears well groomed and observes established dress guidelines, visibly wearing the name identification badge.
• Displays self-respect and pride in KCHS.

Customer Service

• Assists all patients, family members/significant others, physicians, visitors and employees in a friendly manner.
• Introduces self and uses caring, thoughtful words either in person or on the telephone.
• Demonstrates ethical and appropriate behavior for a healthcare environment to include, but not limited to, dignity, patient’s rights and privacy, and the maintenance of confidentiality of patient information.
• Demonstrates caring. If unable to assist an individual in needs, offers to find someone who can.
• Demonstrate proper telephone etiquette. If transferring a telephone call, announces the caller and briefly explains the situation before ending the transfer.
• Always makes eye contact when speaking with patients, family members/significant others, visitors, employees, etc. Knocks before entering a room or office. Addresses all individuals courteously.
• Keeps voice down, does not shout or use improper language. Responds to all inquiries promptly and courteously.
• Shares information so that the people who need to be aware of the facts are informed.

Infection Control

• Demonstrates adherence to infection control policies as evidenced by in-service attendance records and employee practices
• Demonstrates correct hand washing technique.
• Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and uses same in practice.
• Notifies the Infection Control Nurse of real or potential exposures.

Risk Management & Safety Program

• Demonstrates adherence to risk management and safety policies and codes as evidenced by in-service attendance records and employee practices.
• Maintains a clean and safe environment for patient and co-workers.
• Follows all general safety rules.
• Notifies Risk Management of incidents involving injury or having the potential for injury. Submits incident reports according to hospital policy.

Quality Improvement Activities

•  Participates in Quality Improvement activities of their department and the facility.
•  Identifies areas of improvement and communicates quality improvement ideas to their manager in order to improve the quality of care delivered to patients in their care.
• Is a stakeholder in improvement projects, PDSA process improvement, and Root Cause Analysis discussions.

Educational Responsibilities

• Completes required careLearning modules
• Attends mandatory safety trainings/in-services as scheduled
• Completes other required certifications or classes as necessary to perform the essential functions of the job
• Attends staff meetings or reads and “marks as read” meeting minutes in Policy Tech 100% of the time.
• Hold surgical staff meetings to communicate surgery-specific information and education to surgical staff at KCHS.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

• Baccalaureate Degree in nursing is required.
• Valid driver's license
• 3+ years clinical experience in the perioperative setting required
• Management experience preferred

Certificates, Licensure, Registrations:

• Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Nebraska
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively to maintain good working relationships with staff, healthcare providers, and patients
• Must be capable of communicating clearly (reading, writing and speaking) in the English Language.
• Must be proficient in the operation of a personal computer with Microsoft Office and the Internet
• Must be capable of reading and comprehending complex healthcare laws and regulations.