Director, Perioperative Services

Overview

The Director of Perioperative Services is responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial management of surgical services, including the Operating Room (OR), Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Pre-Op, and the Sterile Processing Department (SPD). This role ensures high- quality patient care, regulatory compliance, efficiency in surgical operations, and collaboration with physicians, staff, and hospital leadership to drive excellence in perioperative services.

Responsibilities

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES (other duties may be assigned):Leadership; Operations Management: Provide leadership and oversight for all perioperative services, including the Operating Room, PACU, Pre-Op, and Sterile Processing Department (SPD). Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance efficiency, patient safety, and quality outcomes. Ensure proper coordination between perioperative services and other hospital departments for seamless patient care. Lead initiatives to optimize Operating Room utilization, case scheduling, and turnover times while maintaining high-quality care.

Sterile Processing Department (SPD) Oversight: Ensure compliance with sterilization, decontamination, and infection prevention standards (CDPH, Joint Commission, and CMS guidelines). Oversee instrument and equipment reprocessing to ensure availability for surgical cases. Implement best practices for SPD workflow, inventory management, and staff training to maintain operational efficiency.Financial; Budgetary Management: Develop and manage operating and capital budgets for perioperative services and SPD. Identify opportunities for cost containment and revenue growth while maintaining quality care. Oversee surgical supply chain management, equipment procurement, and vendor negotiations.Quality, Safety, Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulatory and accreditation standards (CDPH, Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, and other health regulations). Drive quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety, infection control, and surgical outcomes. Monitor clinical performance metrics, patient satisfaction scores, and efficiency benchmarks, implementing corrective actions as needed.Staff Development; Engagement: Recruit, train, and mentor nursing, SPD, and surgical staff to ensure high performance and job satisfaction. Foster a collaborative and accountable work culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth. Develop and oversee continuing education and competency programs for perioperative and SPD staff.Collaboration; Physician Relations: Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing leadership to enhance surgical services and improve patient outcomes. Address physician concerns and facilitate OR efficiency, block scheduling, and case volume growth. Act as a liaison between administration and surgical teams to align operational goals.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/JOB REQUIREMENTS:EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree (MSN, MHA, MBA) preferred.• Minimum of 2-3 years of progressive leadership experience in perioperative services, including sterile processing.• Strong knowledge of surgical operations, sterilization processes, and regulatory requirements.

 

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION:• CNOR (Certified Perioperative Nurse) or CSSM (Certified Surgical Services Manager) preferred.• CRCST (Certified Registered Central Service Technician) or CHL (Certified Healthcare Leader) certification for sterile processing oversight preferred.• Current RN license required.

 

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:• Expertise in perioperative workflows, surgical case management, and SPD operations.• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.• Knowledge of Epic, Cerner, or other OR scheduling and documentation systems.• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with physicians, staff, and hospital leadership.

Hospital Description

AHMC Seton Medical Center is a 377 bed hospital facility serving the San Mateo County and San Francisco County areas.