Ambulatory Surgery Center Director of Nursing

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

The Ambulatory Surgery Center Director of Nursing is responsible for overseeing all nursing operations within the ambulatory surgery center to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. This leadership role involves strategic planning, staff management, and regulatory compliance to maintain a safe and efficient clinical environment. The Director of Nursing collaborates closely with physicians, administrative staff, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes and operational workflows. They are accountable for developing nursing policies, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development among nursing staff. Ultimately, this position ensures that the ambulatory surgery center meets all clinical standards and provides exceptional care in an outpatient surgical setting.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five years of progressive nursing experience, including at least three years in a leadership or management role within an ambulatory surgery center or similar outpatient surgical setting.
• Strong knowledge of ambulatory surgery center operations, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards (e.g., AAAHC, The Joint Commission).
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex clinical and administrative functions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CASN) or Nurse Executive certification (NE-BC or NEA-BC).
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and data analytics to support quality improvement.
• Proven track record of successful budget management and resource optimization in a healthcare setting.
• Strong background in patient safety initiatives and quality improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the nursing team, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as accreditation standards specific to ambulatory surgery centers.
• Develop, implement, and monitor nursing policies, procedures, and protocols to maintain high standards of patient care and safety.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care, optimize surgical scheduling, and improve operational efficiency.
• Oversee quality assurance programs, patient satisfaction initiatives, and risk management activities to enhance clinical outcomes.
• Manage nursing budgets, resource allocation, and supply chain to support clinical operations effectively.
• Serve as a clinical expert and resource for nursing staff, providing guidance on complex patient care issues and best practices.
• Lead initiatives to promote a positive work environment, staff engagement, and retention within the nursing department.

Skills:

The Director of Nursing utilizes strong leadership and communication skills daily to inspire and guide nursing staff while fostering collaboration across departments. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are essential for addressing clinical challenges and improving patient care processes. Expertise in regulatory compliance ensures that the center consistently meets or exceeds healthcare standards, minimizing risk and enhancing safety. Financial acumen is applied to manage budgets and allocate resources efficiently, supporting sustainable operations. Additionally, proficiency with healthcare technology and data analysis tools enables the Director to monitor performance metrics and drive continuous quality improvement initiatives.