NCH Director of Surgical Services

Job Title: NCH Director of Surgical Services 

Location: North Country Healthcare (NCH) 

Department: Nursing  

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt  

Reports To: NCH Chief Nursing Officer 

Job Summary: The Director of Surgical Services is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the surgical services departments across NCH affiliate hospitals; Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH), Weeks Medical Center (WMC), and Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (UCVH). This includes overseeing all aspects of patient care, operational efficiency, staffing, and compliance in a variety of surgical settings. The director ensures that surgical services are provided in a safe, efficient, and effective manner while maintaining a high standard of care and promoting continuous improvement. The director will work closely with clinical leadership, hospital staff, and senior executives to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement on the journey to high reliability. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Leadership & Management: 

• Lead and manage the surgical services departments across NCH affiliates, including operating rooms (OR), outpatient surgical services, preoperative and postoperative care, and sterilization. 

• Provide oversight and direction to surgical staff, including surgeons, nurses, surgical technicians, anesthesiologists, and support personnel. 

• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, efficient scheduling, and effective utilization of resources. 

2. Operational Efficiency: 

• Develop and implement policies and procedures that enhance the quality, safety, and efficiency of surgical services. 

• Monitor surgical outcomes, including complications and patient safety incidents, and implement corrective actions when necessary. 

• Evaluate and streamline workflows to minimize delays and optimize throughput in the surgical areas. 

3. Quality & Safety: 

• Oversee compliance with healthcare regulations, quality standards, and accreditation requirements for surgical services. 

• Leads the affiliate hospitals toward high reliability, keeping the five principles at the forefront of decision-making: sensitivity to operations, preoccupation with failure, reluctance to simplify, resilience, and deference to expertise.   

• Foster a culture of patient safety by implementing best practices and evidence-based guidelines. 

• Ensure that all surgical procedures are performed in compliance with infection control protocols and maintain high standards for sterilization and sanitation. 

4. Financial Management: 

• Develop and manage the surgical services budget, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising quality of care. 

• Monitor resource usage (e.g., equipment, supplies) and make recommendations for cost reduction while maintaining clinical excellence. 

• Collaborate with financial and administrative departments to meet revenue and expense targets for the departments. 

5. Staff Development: 

• Hire, train, and mentor surgical services staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring high levels of competency. 

• Conduct performance evaluations, identify areas for improvement, and provide ongoing education and training opportunities. 

• Promote team collaboration, motivation, and morale within the surgical services teams. 

6. Strategic Planning: 

• Lead the development and implementation of long-term strategies for surgical services, including new service offerings, technology integration, and facility upgrades. 

• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in surgical techniques, equipment, and technology. 

• Collaborate with other healthcare leaders to ensure the department aligns with broader organizational goals. 

7. Patient & Family Relations: 

• Ensure high-quality patient care by addressing patient and family concerns regarding surgical services and outcomes. 

• Promote patient satisfaction by enhancing the patient experience throughout the surgical process. 

• Support a patient-centered care environment that respects the dignity, rights, and preferences of patients and families. 

8. Regulatory Compliance: 

• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and local regulations related to surgical services, including safety standards, licensure, and accreditation. 

• Coordinate audits and inspections to ensure the department adheres to regulatory requirements and quality benchmarks. 

Qualifications: 

• Education: 

• A bachelor’s degree in nursing is required, a master’s degree in nursing, healthcare administration, or a related field is preferred but not required. 

• Experience: 

• A minimum of 5 years experience in surgical services, with at least 2 years of leadership experience in surgical services or hospital administration is required. 

• Licensing/Certifications: 

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license required. 

Skills: 

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams. 

• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. 

• Solid understanding of healthcare regulations, patient safety standards, and quality improvement practices. 

• Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and resources effectively. 

• Ability to think strategically and drive change in a complex, multi-facility environment. 

• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and healthcare management software. 

Working Conditions: 

• Full-time position with a standard office environment. 

• Requires frequent travel between multiple healthcare facilities. 

• May require availability after hours or on weekends for urgent operational matters.