Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing -Ambulatory Surgery Center | Gaithersburg, MD

Our client is a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center (ASC) serving the DMV region, specializing in orthopedic surgery and pain management. The center is owned by one of the nation's largest physician-owned orthopedic groups.

The Director of Nursing (DON) leads all clinical services at the center. This role is responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while maintaining regulatory compliance, staff competency, and operational efficiency.

Working closely with the Administrator, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams, the DON ensures safe, effective surgical services that meet accreditation and regulatory standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Leadership & Patient Care

• Direct all clinical functions across pre-op, the operating room (OR), and recovery (PACU).
• Ensure high standards of patient care grounded in evidence-based nursing practice.
• Monitor clinical workflows to optimize patient throughput, quality, and safety.
• Collaborate with surgeons and anesthesia providers to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Serve as a senior leader on routine and complex issues, and counsel patients on more complex questions, treatment options, and payment concerns.
• Address and resolve patient and provider concerns related to clinical care or staff performance.
• Excellent service and communication with patients, physicians, staff, and the public.
• Ensure the proper use, maintenance, and availability of clinical supplies and equipment.

Team Development & Staffing

• Act as a clinical resource and mentor to nursing and support staff.
• Lead the hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluation of nursing and clinical support personnel.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and take corrective action when needed.
• Oversee orientation and ongoing competency programs for all clinical staff.
• Ensure all nursing staff maintain current licensure, BLS/ACLS certification, and required continuing education.
• Build clinical staffing schedules that align with surgical volume and budget.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Lead the Infection Control and Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs.
• Maintain and update clinical policies, procedures, and protocols in line with current standards of care.
• Prepare for and participate in audits, inspections, and accreditation surveys, and lead plan-of-correction implementation when needed.
• Ensure accurate documentation in the EHR/EMR and participate in chart reviews and audits.
• Report unusual occurrences and required information in accordance with established policies.
• Uphold all federal and state requirements, including HIPAA and OSHA.

Operations & Strategy

• Participate in leadership meetings and strategic planning.
• Help prepare and manage the clinical operating budget.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Maryland or a compact state
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications
• 3–5 years of nursing leadership experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of perioperative nursing, infection control, and regulatory compliance
• Working knowledge of electronic medical records, practice management software, medical billing and collections, managed care, coding, and payer rules
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on employee development and engagement
• Experience collaborating across multiple functions
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Nursing or Healthcare Administration
• Leadership experience in an ambulatory surgery center or other outpatient setting