We're seeking an experienced PACU Manager to lead Pre-Admission Testing (PAT), Pre-Op, and PACU teams within a high-performing ambulatory surgery environment. This role blends hands-on clinical expertise with strategic leadership, overseeing multidisciplinary teams while ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
This is an ideal opportunity for a collaborative nursing leader passionate about patient-centered care, team development, and continuous improvement.
The Role
The PACU Manager directs and coordinates perioperative nursing care across the PAT, Pre-Op, and PACU phases, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality patient outcomes. This role provides leadership and oversight of nursing practice, serves as a role model for clinical staff, and partners closely with physicians and leadership to optimize clinical quality, patient experience, and financial performance.
Primary Responsibilities
Clinical & Operational Leadership
- Lead daily operations across PAT, Pre-Op, and PACU to ensure safe, efficient, patient-centered care.
- Establish and maintain nursing standards aligned with professional practice, AAAHC, and AORN guidelines.
- Make informed decisions related to patient care and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Evaluate patient care programs and identify opportunities for improvement.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and AAAHC standards.
- Ensure accurate and complete clinical documentation.
- Support quality improvement initiatives, audits, and accreditation of readiness.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Recruit, retain, supervise, and evaluate PAT, Pre-Op, and PACU staff.
- Develop and manage daily, weekly, and monthly staffing schedules.
- Complete annual performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and support.
- Foster strong working relationships with physicians, leadership, and ancillary departments.
Administrative & Financial Oversight
- Support cost-control initiatives while maintaining high standards of care.
- Recommend medical supplies and equipment based on clinical and operational evaluation.
- Assist with inventory management.
- Oversee pharmacy functions, registration staff, and payroll for direct reports.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and revising nursing policies, procedures, and staffing models.
- Stay current on professional and regulatory trends impacting perioperative nursing.
- Participate in committees and special projects as assigned.
- Delegate responsibilities during absences as appropriate.
Position Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
- BSN preferred.
- Current RN license in Virginia.
- Current CPR, ACLS, and PALS certifications.
- At least 5 years of clinical leadership experience in perioperative / PACU environment preferably in an ambulatory surgery setting
- Working knowledge of AAAHC standards.
What Success Looks Like
- Engaged, high-performing PAT, Pre-Op, and PACU teams.
- Consistent delivery of safe, efficient, patient-focused care.
- Strong regulatory compliance and accreditation readiness.
- Improved operational efficiency and cost awareness.
- Trusted partnerships with physicians, leadership, and support teams.
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Compensation Range for this position:
$110,400.00 - $165,600.00
Compensation for this role will be based on several factors, including the candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, certifications, geography/market, and internal equity considerations.