Charge Nurse Outpatient Surgery

At ScionHealth, we empower our caregivers to do what they do best. We value every voice by caring deeply for every patient and each other. We show courage by running toward the challenge and we lean into new ideas by embracing curiosity and question asking. Together, we create our culture by living our values in our day-to-day interactions with our patients and teammates.

Job Summary

• The Charge Nurse – Outpatient Surgery is a Registered Nurse who provides direct patient care while also serving as a clinical and operational leader for the ambulatory surgery center or outpatient surgical unit. Under the supervision of the Nurse Manager or Director, this role facilitates day-to-day surgical operations, assists in patient care coordination, provides support to clinical staff, and ensures adherence to safety, quality, and compliance standards.

Essential Functions

• Provides hands-on perioperative nursing care including pre-op, intra-op, and post-op responsibilities as needed
• Coordinates unit activities including scheduling of procedures, patient flow, staffing assignments, and turnover times
• Supports OR efficiency and timely communication with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and recovery staff
• Serves as the primary point of contact for staff, surgeons, and other departments during assigned shifts
• Acts as a resource to the nursing team, providing clinical support and decision-making assistance
• Ensures regulatory and safety protocols are followed, including infection control and surgical time-outs
• Participates in staff orientation, education, and performance development
• Assists with incident documentation, performance improvement efforts, and quality audits
• Supports maintenance of appropriate staffing and supply levels
• Demonstrates service excellence and fosters a culture of teamwork and accountability

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Knowledge of outpatient surgical workflows, clinical standards, and regulatory requirements
• Strong clinical judgment, prioritization, and communication skills
• Effective team leadership and conflict resolution skills
• Proficient in use of electronic health records and clinical documentation systems
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in a fast-paced surgical environment
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, and turning in clinical areas
• Ability to safely lift and move patients or equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Full sensory abilities for patient monitoring and interaction
• Outpatient surgery center or hospital-based ambulatory surgical unit
• Exposure to sterile environments, bloodborne pathogens, surgical instruments, and clinical equipment
• Requires adherence to PPE and infection control practices

Education

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred

Licenses/Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) preferred

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of perioperative nursing experience in an ambulatory or surgical services setting required
• Prior charge nurse or clinical leadership experience preferred