Associate Director, Perioperative Nursing - ASC Operating Room

MD Anderson Cancer Center - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Houston, TX

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Associate Director of Perioperative Nursing at MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leadership role focused on enhancing perioperative services and improving patient outcomes. The position involves overseeing nursing staff, managing operational efficiencies, and implementing evidence-based practices in a world-class surgical environment. The ideal candidate will drive transformational leadership, structural empowerment, and innovation while ensuring compliance with healthcare standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage unit personnel, supplies, and systems to deliver cost-effective care in response to patient and team needs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate staffing plans that ensure optimal skill mix and budget compliance.
• Collaborate with physicians to standardize procedures and enhance product efficiencies while giving nurses time to focus on patient care.
• Oversee documentation and EMR technology to ensure ease of use and data accuracy.
• Oversee recruitment, retention, supervision, and evaluation of clinical and clerical staff.
• Develop top talent through performance management, career development, and shared governance.
• Balance clinical time to stay accessible and knowledgeable of unit processes.
• Lead audits to identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure systematic, outcome-focused care delivery aligned with evidence-based practices.
• Lead the development and implementation of clinical nursing practices based on the latest research and standards.
• Maintain professional proficiency and seek opportunities for growth through involvement in professional organizations.
• Champion change and promote effective solutions in the unit.
• Lead and participate in improvement projects while sharing key updates with the team.
• Encourage staff involvement in new technologies, procedures, and evidence-based practices.
• Develop systems to improve unit performance based on data-driven insights.
• Lead quality management across the care continuum, benchmarking with other units to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Align staffing with unit needs, monitor satisfaction data, and take action on trends.
• Ensure compliance with AORN, Joint Commission, and AAMI standards, promoting adherence to best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN).
• Six years of perioperative nursing experience.
• Two years of management experience overseeing direct patient care activities.
• Current State of Texas professional nursing license (RN).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in Nursing (MSN).
• Operating Room Nursing experience.
• 18+ months of perioperative experience in an Acute Care hospital setting.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification.

Benefits

• Zero premium medical benefits starting on the first day for employees working 30 or more hours per week.
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) leave accruals.
• Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and more.
• Tuition Assistance available after six months of service.
• Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans.
• Employer-Paid Benefits including Life, AD&D, and an illness-related reduced salary pay program.
• Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement flexible spending accounts.
• Comprehensive coverage for fertility-related services.
• State of Texas Longevity Pay recognizing long-term service.
• Relocation Assistance for moving to the area.
• Extensive wellness, fitness, employee health programs, and employee resource groups.