Director of Clinical Operations, Perioperative Services Newark

Director of Clinical Operations, Perioperative Services Newark Campus

ChristianaCare has been recognized as the No. 5 health system in the nation by Money Magazine in its 2024 hospital rankings, earning an overall grade of A and an A for its commitment to price transparency. If you are passionate about leading transformative healthcare initiatives and making a meaningful impact on patient care, we invite you to explore this exceptional leadership opportunity.

At ChristianaCare, our mission is grounded in the principles of Love and Excellence. We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Clinical Director, Perioperative Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the full perioperative continuum of care at our Newark Campus.

This executive nursing leader will have primary accountability for Perioperative Services, including the Main Operating Room (CVOR and General Operating Rooms), Hospital Outpatient Surgery Department, and Clinical Perfusion Services. The Clinical Director will partner closely with campus and physician leadership to advance quality outcomes, optimize operations, enhance patient access, and cultivate a high-performing culture dedicated to exceptional patient-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership, direction, and accountability for the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care programs, clinical standards, education, and research initiatives across Perioperative Services.

• Ensures compliance with organizational policies, accreditation standards, and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with physicians, nursing leaders, operational partners, and executive stakeholders to advance quality, patient safety, and operational excellence initiatives.

• Participates in and actively promotes ChristianaCare’s Nursing Shared Governance Model.

• Contributes to organizational and procedural platform strategic planning through the development and execution of short- and long-term initiatives aligned with enterprise goals.

• Oversees fiscal performance and resource management, including workforce planning, patient flow, patient access, program development, productivity, and budget stewardship.

• Establishes clear expectations and performance metrics that drive accountability, engagement, and operational results.

• Monitors and evaluates clinical services to ensure adherence to professional standards and the Delaware Nurse Practice Act.

• Mentors and develops nursing leaders, fostering professional growth, critical thinking, innovation, and sound decision-making.

• Collaborates closely with Surgical Chiefs, Section Chiefs, Medical Directors, and interdisciplinary leaders to ensure effective oversight and management of procedural care environments.

• Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of patient care programs, policies, procedures, and clinical practice guidelines.

• Demonstrates exceptional communication skills when engaging patients, families, physicians, staff, and organizational leaders.

• Promotes a positive workplace culture by addressing employee relations matters and supporting leader and caregiver engagement.

• Provides guidance and support to nursing leadership teams to advance service excellence and patient experience goals.

• Champions recruitment, retention, succession planning, professional development, and continuing education initiatives for nursing staff.

• Maintains current knowledge of clinical practice, healthcare operations, emerging trends, and industry best practices.

• Supports research and evidence-based practice initiatives that improve quality outcomes and enhance patient care.

• Establishes meaningful recognition programs that celebrate clinical expertise, leadership, and excellence in patient care.

• Facilitates collaboration among nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary partners to strengthen teamwork and care delivery.

• Provides leadership and guidance regarding risk management and legal issues while proactively implementing measures to mitigate risk and improve safety.

• Serves as a change agent, driving innovation, continuous improvement, and organizational transformation.

• Performs all duties in accordance with established safety standards and organizational policies.

• Completes additional responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing. 

Master’s Degree required.

Professional certification required (practice specialty or leadership)

Eight to ten years recent and progressive managerial experience in a clinical setting. 

Current RN licensure in State of DE.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a dynamic healthcare leader to shape the future of perioperative services within one of the nation’s highest-performing health systems while advancing ChristianaCare’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and exceptional patient outcomes.