Job Description

Northwest Health - Porter, located in Valporaiso, IN is seeking a full time Nursing Director of Surgical Services.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Future Security – 401(k) with employer matching to help you build long-term financial stability.
• Competitive Pay & Full Benefits – A salary and package designed to reward your expertise and dedication.

• Paid Time Off – Generous EIB and vacation time to support work-life balance

  
  
  The Director, Surgical Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the surgical services department, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care. This role is responsible for departmental planning, regulatory compliance, financial management, and fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. The Director promotes a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement to optimize surgical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
  
  Essential Functions

• Oversees daily operations of the Surgical Services department, ensuring effective scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation to support safe and efficient patient care.
• Leads quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety, surgical outcomes, and operational performance.
• Collaborates with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and other stakeholders to coordinate surgical schedules, optimize patient flow, and facilitate interdisciplinary communication.
• Recruits, hires, and retains highly qualified surgical services staff, providing mentorship, fostering professional development, and promoting continuing education opportunities.
• Monitors and evaluates patient care processes and outcomes, addressing patient concerns and implementing strategies to improve satisfaction and experience.
• Drives initiatives to create and sustain a positive work culture, achieving employee satisfaction and retention goals through effective leadership and management practices.
• Responds to and resolves patient care issues, complaints, and incidents, conducting investigations and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Maintains current knowledge of industry trends, clinical best practices, and emerging technologies, ensuring the department remains competitive and compliant with evolving standards.
• Establishes and monitors key performance metrics, using data-driven insights to identify opportunities for improvement and to measure departmental success.
• Collaborates with Supply Chain and Procurement teams to manage inventory, surgical instruments, and equipment, ensuring availability and proper utilization.
• Participates in strategic planning and organizational initiatives to expand surgical services and enhance the facility’s market position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management
  • Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
  • Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
  • Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long-term planning.
  • Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
  • Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
  • Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
  • Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
  • Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
  • May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required or
• Seven (7) plus years of direct experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree required
• Master's Degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in closely related field with Bachelor's degree required
• 3-5 years of previous leadership experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and manage cross-functional relationships.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, team members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with others, delegate responsibilities, and independently manage tasks while meeting established deadlines.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• In depth knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory compliance (if applicable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft platforms, healthcare software systems, and data analysis tools.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support issued by American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support issued by American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) required

Why Work at Northwest Health- Porter?
At Northwest Health Porter, we’re more than healthcare providers, we’re a team dedicated to compassionate care and community wellness. Join us for a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our patients every day. Your skills, your passion, and your commitment matter here.

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer.

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