Interim Clinical Nurse Director - Perioperative Services

Summary:

The Interim Clinical Director of Perioperative Services provides both strategic and day-to-day leadership across surgical services, including the Operating Room, Pre-Op, PACU, GI/Endoscopy, Sterile Processing, and other procedural areas. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, high-quality, evidence-based patient care while aligning departmental operations with overall organizational priorities and objectives. The Director collaborates closely with executive leadership, including the Chief Nursing Officer, to promote a culture focused on clinical excellence, innovation, and accountability.

Essential Functions:

Leads the planning and implementation of perioperative initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and supporting program growth.

Drives efficient patient flow and throughput, optimizing operating room utilization and staffing resources.

Ensures adherence to established best practices in perioperative care, including infection prevention and sterile processing standards.

Oversees quality and patient safety efforts, including tracking performance metrics and facilitating root cause analyses.

Recruits, mentors, and retains a high-performing team of perioperative staff, including RNs, surgical techs, SPD personnel, and support staff.

Fosters a collaborative team culture that emphasizes professional development, shared accountability, and engagement.

Develops and manages departmental budgets, staffing plans, and capital equipment needs in alignment with organizational goals.

Identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs without compromising care quality.

Builds and maintains strong relationships with physicians, anesthesia providers, vendors, and interdisciplinary leaders to support seamless care delivery.

Serves as a primary leader for perioperative initiatives, projects, and service line development.

Ensures compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, and state regulations).

Qualifications:

Minimum of five (5) years of clinical nursing experience in an acute care setting, including at least three (3) years in perioperative services required.

Minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience (manager or director level) within a perioperative environment required.

Bachelor's degree required (BSN preferred).

Master's degree in Nursing or a related healthcare/business field strongly preferred.

Active California RN license required.

Current BLS certification required.

LA City Fire Card required within 30 days of hire.

CNOR certification preferred.

Core Competencies:

Strong knowledge of perioperative operations, clinical standards, and surgical workflows.

Proven ability to lead change initiatives, manage complex operations, and drive program growth.

Experience with data analysis, OR scheduling systems, and standard office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in both clinical procedural areas and administrative office settings.

Fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and interaction with clinical teams.

Requires prolonged standing/walking and occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs), along with strong visual and communication abilities.