The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the overall clinical operations and nursing leadership of the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), with a primary focus on orthopaedic surgical care. This role ensures high-quality, patient-centered care in compliance with all regulatory, accreditation, and safety standards. The DON collaborates closely with the Medical Director, ASC Administrator, and physician partners to deliver exceptional surgical outcomes, optimize clinical workflows, and foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Operations

- Provide leadership and oversight of all perioperative nursing functions, including pre-op, intra-op, and PACU care.
- Develop, implement, and monitor nursing policies, procedures, and clinical protocols in alignment with ASC, CMS, AAAHC/Joint Commission, and state requirements.
- Ensure evidence-based practices and orthopaedic-specific clinical standards are consistently applied.
- Oversee patient safety initiatives, infection prevention, medication management, and quality improvement programs.

Staff Management & Development

- Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate nursing staff, surgical technologists, and clinical support teams.
- Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages accountability, engagement, and high-quality patient care.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

- Maintain compliance with federal, state, and accrediting body requirements for ASC operations.
- Lead ASC readiness for inspections and surveys; implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Monitor quality indicators, patient outcomes, and performance metrics, reporting to the Governing Board and ASC leadership.

Patient Care & Experience

- Champion patient-centered care by ensuring a safe, compassionate, and efficient surgical experience.
- Address patient and family concerns with professionalism and empathy.
- Oversee pre-admission testing, discharge planning, and patient education specific to orthopaedic procedures.

Operational & Financial Collaboration

- Collaborate with the ASC Administrator on budgeting, staffing models, and resource allocation.
- Support supply chain and inventory management to ensure cost-effective operations while maintaining high clinical standards.
- Participate in strategic planning and growth initiatives for orthopaedic services.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

- Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods.
- Must be able to assist in patient positioning, transferring, and occasional lifting.
- Work performed primarily in a clinical/surgical setting with exposure to standard perioperative risks.

Qualifications

- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in NH.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive nursing leadership experience in perioperative services; ASC and/or orthopaedic experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of CMS Conditions for Coverage, AAAHC/Joint Commission standards, OSHA, and state-specific ASC regulations.
- Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-specialty surgical environment.