DIRECTOR OF SURGERY SERVICES

Horizon Health•Paris, IL

56d•$89,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Director of Surgical Services provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for a comprehensive Surgical Services department within a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). This role encompasses the full continuum of perioperative services, including the Pre-Anesthesia Care Unit (PAC), Outpatient Surgery Unit, Intraoperative Care Unit, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)/Recovery Room, Central Sterile Supply, Surgery Business Operations, the Outpatient Infusion Center, and visiting specialty clinics in Rheumatology and Oncology. The Director is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, clinical quality, and fiscal accountability across all assigned areas. This includes oversight of the Outpatient Infusion Center, which delivers chemotherapy and rheumatology infusion services, ensuring safe, efficient, and patient-centered care. The Director also leads performance monitoring and tracking across the entire surgical services line, ensuring continuous improvement and achievement of institutional goals. Key responsibilities include providing leadership and guidance to clinical managers and staff; ensuring optimal staffing coverage and resource allocation; maintaining compliance with all regulatory standards; and driving performance improvement initiatives that enhance both patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The Director partners closely with the Administrative Suite, Chief Nursing Officer, Chair of Surgical Services, Anesthesia Department, and Chief Medical Officer to define standards of care, establish accountability, and align service delivery with organizational strategy. This position plays a pivotal role in advancing the Surgical Services Service Line by developing and implementing evidence-based policies, processes, and procedures; fostering a culture of quality and safety; and preparing the organization for continued growth and innovation. The Director of Surgical Services demonstrates exceptional leadership in operational, financial, and clinical domains—ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care delivered in a cost-effective, sustainable manner.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) degree or enrollment in an accredited BSN program within six months of employment
Minimum of three years of surgical services management
Graduate of an approved school in skill set/specialty/discipline, meeting the requirements for registry – has current Registered Nurse (RN)License in State of Illinois
Minimum of five years’ surgical nursing experience
Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) within one year of assuming this role

Nice To Haves

Master of Science degree
Previous Outpatient Infusion Center management
Nursing experience in Oncology or Rheumatology service lines
Oncology Certification from the Oncology Nursing Society

Responsibilities

Provides strategic and operational leadership for all Surgical Services and the Outpatient Infusion Center, ensuring high-quality, efficient, and patient-centered care delivery.
Leads with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making, utilizing performance metrics and key indicators to track, evaluate, and improve service line efficiency, quality, and outcomes.
Ensures financial stewardship through effective budget preparation, monitoring, and fiscal oversight across all perioperative, infusion, and specialty service areas.
Identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiencies, streamline workflows, and optimize resource utilization in alignment with organizational goals.
Ensures consistent utilization and compliance with established standards of care, policies, procedures, and evidence-based clinical practices across all departments.
Oversees the training, competency validation, and professional development of all clinical and non-clinical staff, ensuring skill advancement meets evolving patient and organizational needs.
Demonstrates strong and effective communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration across all levels of the organization.
Partners with key stakeholders — including Surgeons, Anesthesia, Medical Staff, Nursing, Clinical Teams, Business Office, and Administration — to align operational goals and ensure a cohesive, team-oriented environment.
Demonstrates expertise in strategic planning and execution, contributing to hospital-wide initiatives and long-term service line development.
Exhibits high emotional intelligence and leadership maturity, guiding teams through change management and fostering a positive, accountable culture.
Utilizes performance data to identify critical factors affecting outcomes and implements sustainable, measurable improvement strategies.
Leads continuous performance improvement and patient safety initiatives, ensuring compliance with County, State, Federal, and accrediting body standards, including The Joint Commission (TJC).
Oversees the operational and fiscal management of all surgical and infusion service lines, including preparation and monitoring of operational and capital budgets.
Collaborates with Administration and Medical Leadership to identify and implement new service line growth initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment and return on investment.
Provides oversight and input into facility design and renovation projects related to Surgical Services and the Infusion Center to support operational efficiency and patient safety.
Maintains adherence to standards and best practices as defined by relevant professional organizations (AORN, ASPAN, AAMI, SGNA, ACR, ASCO, ITSOP, etc.).
Ensures departmental survey readiness, safety compliance, and quality assurance across all service areas.
Supervises and supports managers in the development, review, and maintenance of departmental forms, policies, downtime procedures, and educational materials.
Oversees the creation and delivery of patient education programs and materials for surgical and infusion services (e.g., Joint Camp, Gastroenterology, PAC, department website).
Promotes leadership and professional development through mentorship, coaching, and structured performance evaluations, fostering an environment of accountability and growth.
Serves as the lead stakeholder in the evaluation, selection, and adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and innovations that enhance patient care and service efficiency.
Facilitates change management initiatives, ensuring alignment between operational processes and organizational strategic goals.
Collaborates with physicians and administration on equipment and supply needs, including vendor negotiations, contract management, and cost containment strategies.
Actively participates in hospital, departmental, and service line committees, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and communication.
Partners with the Medical Surgical Chair Provider and Anesthesia to organize and lead Department of Surgical Services Committees and related governance structures.
Maintains a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring services evolve to meet the dynamic needs of patients and the organization.