Pre-Op/PACU Manager

Pre-Op/PACU Manager - Orthopedic Surgery Center

Position Summary

The Pre-Op/PACU Manager is responsible for the leadership, management, and coordination of all preoperative and post-anesthesia care services within the Orthopedic Surgery Center. This role provides clinical, operational, and administrative oversight to ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centered care throughout the surgical continuum. The Manager collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing staff, and leadership to optimize patient outcomes, enhance operational performance, and maintain compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.

Essential Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Patient Care

• Oversee all nursing care provided in the Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Units.

• Ensure comprehensive patient assessments are completed and documented prior to surgery and throughout recovery.

• Promote evidence-based practices that support safe orthopedic surgical care and optimal patient outcomes.

• Monitor patient progression through pre-op, recovery, and discharge phases to maximize efficiency and patient safety.

• Collaborate with orthopedic surgeons, anesthesia providers, and multidisciplinary teams regarding patient conditions, surgical readiness, and postoperative recovery.

• Ensure appropriate management of pain, patient education, discharge planning, and postoperative follow-up processes.

• Support the delivery of exceptional patient and family experiences throughout the surgical journey.

Department Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead, supervise, and mentor Pre-Op and PACU nursing staff.

• Develop staffing plans and daily assignments based on patient volume, acuity, and operational needs.

• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching sessions, and employee development planning.

• Ensure competency validation, orientation, annual education, and certification requirements are maintained.

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, service excellence, and patient-centered care.

• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning initiatives.

Operational Management

• Direct daily operations of the Pre-Op and PACU departments to ensure efficient patient flow and throughput.

• Coordinate scheduling and resource allocation with surgical services leadership.

• Monitor staffing productivity, overtime utilization, and labor management.

• Oversee equipment readiness, supply management, and inventory controls.

• Collaborate with Materials Management and Sterile Processing to ensure availability of required supplies and equipment.

• Support implementation of operational improvements that enhance efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Quality, Regulatory & Risk Management

• Maintain continuous survey readiness and compliance with AAAHC, CMS, OSHA, infection prevention, and state regulatory standards.

• Lead quality improvement initiatives focused on patient safety, clinical outcomes, and operational performance.

• Investigate incidents, patient concerns, and variances, implementing corrective action plans when appropriate.

• Monitor key metrics including patient satisfaction, throughput, infection prevention, quality indicators, and departmental performance goals.

• Participate in risk management activities, emergency preparedness planning, and performance improvement programs.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and managing departmental budgets and capital requests.

• Review and approve payroll, staffing schedules, and departmental expenditures.

• Prepare reports, departmental statistics, and quality metrics for leadership review.

• Participate in leadership meetings, medical staff committees, and organizational initiatives.

• Serve as a resource and liaison between nursing staff, physicians, anesthesia providers, and administration.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years of perioperative nursing experience required.

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in Pre-Op and/or PACU nursing required.

• Previous supervisory, charge nurse, or management experience preferred.

• Experience in an Ambulatory Surgery Center and orthopedic surgical environment strongly preferred.

Certifications

• Current BLS certification required.

• Current ACLS certification required.

• PALS preferred based on patient population.

• CAPA and/or CPAN certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of perioperative services, anesthesia recovery, and orthopedic surgical procedures.

• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills.

• Knowledge of accreditation standards and regulatory requirements applicable to ambulatory surgery centers.

• Ability to analyze operational data and implement process improvements.

• Effective communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.

• Strong organizational abilities with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced surgical environment.

Reporting Relationship

Reports To: Administrator and/or Director of Surgical Services

Leadership Expectations

The Pre-Op/PACU Manager serves as a working leader who promotes clinical excellence, operational efficiency, physician partnership, regulatory compliance, and exceptional patient outcomes while supporting the growth and success of the Orthopedic Surgery Center.