Director of Nursing – Surgical Services

Job Title: Director of Nursing – Surgical Services
Department: Surgical Services (OR, Day Surgery, Pré/Post PACU, Endoscopy, Central Sterile & Supply, Anesthesia)
Reports To: Chief Nursing Officer
Location: East Houston Medical Center – Houston, Texas

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing for Surgical Services provides executive oversight and strategic direction for all perioperative departments, including Operating Rooms, Day Surgery, OPS, Pre- and Post-PACU, Holding, PACE, Central Sterile Processing, Anesthesia, and Endoscopy. This leader ensures the highest standards of clinical excellence, patient safety, and operational performance are achieved in alignment with East Houston Medical Center’s mission and values.

This position is accountable for the consistent delivery of high-quality, cost-effective, and patient-focused care through effective staffing, clinical oversight, regulatory compliance, and partnership across multidisciplinary teams. The Director actively cultivates a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement, ensuring that nursing practice meets both state and national standards of perioperative excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, administrative, and clinical leadership over Surgical Services, ensuring safe, quality-driven, and efficient patient care across all areas of responsibility.
  
• Develop and implement operational goals, quality measures, and performance improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and departmental efficiency.
  
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, accreditation, and clinical standards related to perioperative care and hospital policy.
  
• Manage the departmental budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization while maintaining patient safety and satisfaction.
  
• Lead, mentor, and develop nursing leadership and staff to achieve professional growth, team engagement, and exceptional service delivery.
  
• Collaborate with physicians, anesthesia providers, and interdisciplinary teams to maintain seamless coordination throughout the surgical continuum of care.
  
• Oversee and monitor staffing levels, skill mix, and workforce development strategies tailored to current and projected surgical volumes.
  
• Serve as a visible leader and role model of nursing excellence, clinical professionalism, and patient-centered care.
  
• Support evidence-based practices, clinical innovation, and ongoing education within Surgical Services.
  

Requirements

Education and Certification

Required:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution
  
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Texas
  
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
  
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
  
• Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS) certification
  
• Perioperative Leadership and Administration (PLAS) certification, a plus
  

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) or related healthcare leadership field
  
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification
  

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 1–2 years in a nursing management or supervisory role
  
• Proven leadership experience within an acute care hospital setting
  
• Strong background in Surgical Services or Perioperative Nursing Practice
  

Leadership Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams with integrity, fairness, and clinical expertise
  
• Strategic thinker capable of aligning department objectives with organizational priorities
  
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills across multidisciplinary teams
  
• Analytical, data-driven decision-maker with a focus on operational efficiency and patient outcomes
  

Benefits