Nursing Director of Surgical Services

Tucson, Arizona

Salary Range: $118,000 to $155,000 Paid Relocation + Performance Bonus 

Position Summary:

The Nursing Director of Surgical Services provides strategic and operational leadership for all nursing and patient care activities within the Surgical Services department(s) at [Hospital Name/Organization]. Reporting directly to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), this pivotal role is accountable for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and efficient patient care. The Director will lead a team of dedicated nurses and support staff, fostering a culture of clinical excellence, professional development, and collaborative practice. This role holds 24/7 responsibility for the assigned surgical areas, including resource management, staff competency, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership for the Surgical Services nursing team, aligning departmental goals with the overall hospital mission and strategic plan.
• Oversee the daily operations of all assigned surgical areas, ensuring efficient patient flow, optimal resource utilization, and adherence to established policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing practice standards, policies, and procedures that reflect current evidence-based practice and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and mentor nurse managers, charge nurses, and staff nurses, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Ensure the competency of all clinical staff through effective orientation, training, performance evaluation, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient care outcomes and enhance the patient experience.
• Actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, data analysis, and the development and implementation of action plans to enhance patient safety and clinical effectiveness.
• Manage the departmental budget effectively, ensuring responsible resource allocation and fiscal accountability.
• Maintain a visible and accessible presence within the surgical services areas, serving as a role model and advocate for the nursing profession.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Act as a liaison between the Surgical Services department and other hospital departments, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
• Participate in the development and implementation of new programs and services within Surgical Services.
• Serve as a professional role model, demonstrating strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Active and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Arizona.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing school.
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressive leadership experience in a hospital surgical services environment, such as Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager, or full-time Charge Nurse with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated strong leadership, communication (both written and verbal), interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to effectively manage budgets and resources.
• Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards relevant to surgical services.

Preferred:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Master's degree in a healthcare-related field.
• Certification in a relevant nursing specialty (e.g., CNOR).
• Experience with process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).