RN Clinical Manager - PACU | Same Day Surgery

 Clinical Manager - PACU | Same Day Surgery
Monday - Friday | Days

The Clinical Manager for PACU and Same Day Surgery is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and performance of the unit(s). This role provides 24-hour accountability for clinical operations, staffing, quality, safety, and patient experience. The manager works closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure efficient patient flow, high-quality care, and alignment with organizational goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree preferred
• Experience:
• Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience in a related clinical setting
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience 
• Licensure/Certification:
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Maryland required
• Professional certification in a clinical specialty or leadership preferred
• Skills & Abilities:
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of perioperative and recovery workflows preferred
• Ability to analyze data and drive performance improvement
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Proficiency in computer systems and reporting tools

What You’ll Do

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for PACU and Same Day Surgery operations
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation to support patient care needs
• Ensure compliance with clinical standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols
• Monitor patient flow and collaborate with surgical services to optimize throughput
• Lead performance improvement initiatives related to quality, safety, and patient experience
• Conduct staff coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development planning
• Address patient concerns and ensure timely resolution of issues
• Participate in budgeting, cost management, and operational planning
• Facilitate communication across interdisciplinary teams, including surgeons, anesthesia, and nursing

What the Job is Really Like

• You are accountable 24/7 for the unit, even when you are not physically on-site
• The role requires balancing clinical quality, staff engagement, and operational efficiency at the same time
• PACU and Same Day Surgery are high-throughput, time-sensitive environments—delays can impact the entire surgical schedule
• You’ll manage constant competing priorities, including staffing challenges, patient flow issues, and urgent clinical concerns
• The role involves frequent problem-solving in real time, especially when cases run late or patient conditions change
• You will work closely with surgeons, anesthesia, and leadership, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills
• Staff leadership is a major component—coaching, accountability, and addressing performance issues are ongoing responsibilities
• The role can be high-pressure, particularly during peak surgical volumes or staffing shortages
• Success requires both visibility on the unit and strategic thinking behind the scenes

Work Environment & Demands

• Fast-paced perioperative environment (PACU and Same Day Surgery units)
• Frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout the unit (as reflected in physical demands on page 3)
• High mental demands, including sustained focus, decision-making, and multitasking
• Exposure to clinical environments, including post-anesthesia patients and urgent situations
• Requires flexibility to respond to issues outside of scheduled hours
• Combination of administrative work and active presence on the unit

What Success Looks Like

• Patient flow is efficient, with minimal delays in recovery and discharge
• Clinical care meets or exceeds quality and safety standards
• Staff are engaged, supported, and held accountable
• Patient and family experience is positive and responsive
• Operational goals (throughput, staffing, budget) are consistently met
• Communication across surgical services is strong and collaborative
• You proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalate

Caring for Our Team
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