The Operating Room Manager provides 24/7 leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction for the Operating Room at Forrest General Hospital. This role ensures safe, efficient, high'quality surgical care across all specialties in a high'volume, high'acuity environment. The Manager leads daily operations, runs/oversees the Surgery Board, manages real'time departmental flow, and ensures optimal coordination between surgeons, anesthesia, nursing, SPD, PACU, SDS, and inpatient units.
The OR Manager is responsible for fostering a culture grounded in Positive Language Principles, Just Culture, transparency, psychological safety, and team accountability. This leader ensures compliance with AORN standards, Joint Commission requirements, CMS, MS State Board of Nursing, and all Forrest General Hospital policies.
The Manager collaborates with Service Line Coordinators, OR Supervisors, Patient Care Coordinators, and the Director of Surgical Services to support operational excellence, staff development, quality outcomes, and patient safety.
Performance Expectations:
Leadership & Culture
- Leads with Positive Language Principles, modeling respectful, clear, and supportive communication.
- Promotes a Just Culture environment that encourages transparency, learning, and fair accountability.
- Fosters psychological safety, teamwork, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Demonstrates strong, visible leadership and maintains an open'door policy for staff concerns.
- Upholds the We CARE philosophy in all interactions.
Operational Oversight & Efficiency
- Provides 24/7 operational leadership for the Operating Room.
- Directly runs/oversees the Surgery Board, ensuring accurate assignments, real'time adjustments, and efficient case progression.
- Manages departmental flow, including room readiness, turnover efficiency, case sequencing, and throughput.
- Collaborates with anesthesia and surgeons to optimize on'time starts and minimize delays.
- Identifies and resolves operational barriers quickly and effectively.
- Ensures efficient use of hospital resources while maintaining high'quality patient care.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Supervises Service Line Coordinators, OR Supervisors, Patient Care Coordinators, and clinical staff.
- Conducts coaching, mentoring, performance evaluations, and corrective actions.
- Partners with the OR Educator to ensure robust onboarding, annual competencies, and ongoing staff development.
- Ensures staff participation in required competencies, meetings, and educational opportunities.
- Supports succession planning and professional growth.
Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensures compliance with AORN, Joint Commission, CMS, MS State Board of Nursing, and hospital policies.
- Reviews and responds to OTIS reports, clinical variances, and safety events.
- Collaborates with Quality, Risk, Infection Prevention, and Environmental Services to maintain a safe environment.
- Implements and monitors infection prevention practices and sterile technique.
- Leads quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and reduce risk.
Surgical Throughput & Patient Flow
- Coordinates patient flow between SDS, OR, PACU, and inpatient units.
- Ensures timely communication and collaboration across departments.
- Removes barriers to throughput and escalates issues appropriately.
- Supports efficient discharge, transfer, and recovery processes.
Financial & Resource Management
- Maintains fiscal accountability for labor, supplies, equipment, and operational resources.
- Partners with the Equipment & Supply Supervisor to ensure equipment readiness and cost'effective utilization.
- Monitors productivity, overtime, staffing patterns, and labor costs.
- Supports budget development and strategic planning.
Communication & Collaboration
- Maintains open, professional communication with surgeons, anesthesia, staff, and leadership.
- Communicates updates through huddles, staff meetings, and written communication.
- Collaborates with other hospital departments to resolve operational issues.
- Ensures timely reporting of clinical practice variances to the Director and administration.
Data, Metrics & Performance Improvement
- Monitors and analyzes key performance indicators (KPIs):
- On'time starts
- Turnover times
- Case delays
- Utilization
- Quality and safety metrics
- Uses data to drive decision'making and operational improvements.
- Supports audits, situational awareness, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Clinical Support
- Functions as a circulating nurse during emergencies or staffing shortages.
- Maintains clinical competency in perioperative nursing practice.
- Demonstrates expertise in managing the OR board and dynamic workflow.
Professionalism & Organizational Citizenship
- Demonstrates leadership, professionalism, and accountability in all interactions.
- Maintains required certifications, competencies, and continuing education.
- Supports organizational initiatives, strategic goals, and culture.
- Uses the department's communication app appropriately and professionally.
- This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related
job duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education/Skills
Graduate of an accredited RN program (non'online).
Bachelor's degree in Nursing required; Master's degree preferred.
Work Experience:
5-10 years of OR experience required.
Demonstrated leadership experience in perioperative services required.
Experience in high'acuity, multi'specialty surgical environments preferred
Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE
- Licensed RN able to practice within the State of MS
Additional Certification/Licensure - obtained based on the required timeframe below
Within 30 Days of Employment
Required
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Within 90 Days of Employment
Preferred
- Pediatric Advance Life Support
Within 90 Days of Employment
Preferred
- Certified Operating Room Nurse
Within 180 Days of Employment
Required
- Telemetry Nurse Education
Within 90 Days of Employment
Preferred
Within 90 Days of Employment
Required
