Local Contract Nurse Director RN - CVU - Cardiovascular Unit
San Diego, CA
LanceSoft
5x8 hrs, Days, Evenings

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Job Description: Director of Nursing (DON)

Location: California
Setting: Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)
Employment Type: Full‑Time
Reports To: Administrator / CEO / Medical Director

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the overall clinical leadership, management, and regulatory compliance of nursing services within the Ambulatory Surgery Center. The DON ensures the delivery of high‑quality, patient‑centered care while maintaining compliance with all California state, federal, and accreditation standards (e.g., CMS, The Joint Commission, AAAHC).

Key Responsibilities

Clinical & Nursing Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for all nursing staff, including Pre‑Op, PACU, OR, and Central Sterile Processing
• Ensure nursing practices align with evidence‑based standards, patient safety goals, and ASC best practices
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and patient satisfaction
• Collaborate with physicians, anesthesia providers, and administrative leadership

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
  • CMS Conditions for Coverage (CfCs)
  • Accreditation standards (AAAHC, Joint Commission, or AAAASF)
• Lead accreditation surveys, inspections, and corrective action plans
• Oversee infection prevention, quality improvement, and risk management programs
• Monitor clinical outcomes, patient incidents, and adverse events

Staff Management & Development

• Recruit, train, schedule, and evaluate nursing staff
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels based on case volume and acuity
• Ensure staff competencies, licensure, and certifications are current
• Provide ongoing education, performance coaching, and disciplinary actions as needed

Operational Oversight

• Develop and implement nursing policies, procedures, and clinical protocols
• Oversee supply management, equipment readiness, and medication management
• Collaborate with leadership on budgeting and cost control related to nursing operations
• Support efficient patient throughput and optimal ASC workflow

Patient Care & Experience

• Ensure safe perioperative care from admission through discharge
• Address patient complaints and concerns related to clinical care
• Promote patient education and satisfaction initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license – State of California
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (required)
• Minimum 5 years of nursing experience, including:
  • At least 2–3 years in a leadership role (DON, Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse)
  • Ambulatory Surgery Center or perioperative experience strongly preferred
• Current BLS and ACLS certification
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Perioperative nursing standards
  • California and federal healthcare regulations
  • Accreditation and survey readiness

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field
• CNOR or other perioperative nursing certifications
• Experience leading accreditation surveys (AAAHC, Joint Commission, AAAASF)
• EMR/EHR experience (ASC platforms preferred)

Key Competencies

• Clinical leadership and decision‑making
• Regulatory and accreditation expertise
• Staff engagement and team building
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills
• High attention to detail and organization
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced ASC environment

Work Environment

• Ambulatory Surgical Care setting
• Standard weekday schedule; occasional extended hours as needed
• Minimal on‑call responsibilities (varies by facility)