Role Summary

Howard University Hospital seeks an experienced Assistant Nurse Manager – Perioperative Services to provide operational and clinical leadership within our Operating Room. This role partners closely with the OR Nurse Manager to oversee daily surgical operations, ensure safe and efficient case flow, and lead frontline nursing staff in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

The Assistant Nurse Manager plays a critical leadership role in optimizing surgical throughput, maintaining regulatory compliance, supporting staff performance, and ensuring excellence in perioperative practice. This position serves as the operational leader in the absence of the Nurse Manager and directly impacts patient safety, team performance, and surgical efficiency.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee daily OR operations, ensuring safe surgical flow, on-time case starts, and efficient room turnover.
• Develop and manage staffing schedules, assignments, and on-call coverage based on surgical volume and patient acuity.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate perioperative nursing staff; participate in performance management and corrective action processes.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia, Sterile Processing, scheduling, and hospital leadership to coordinate high-quality surgical care.
• Monitor and escalate significant events, patient concerns, and safety risks in alignment with Just Culture principles.
• Support regulatory readiness and compliance with professional standards including AORN, Joint Commission, CMS Conditions of Participation, and DC Board of Nursing requirements.
• Lead and participate in performance improvement initiatives, audits, preference card updates, and workflow optimization efforts.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning within the perioperative department.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Incumbent must obtain BSN within three (3) years of assuming the role if not already completed.

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of Operating Room Registered Nurse experience required.
• Minimum one (1) year of supervisory or leadership experience required.

Licensure & Certification

• Current District of Columbia Registered Nurse license required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room) or National Nursing Leadership certification required within one (1) year of hire.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership and team development skills
• Strong operational decision-making and critical thinking abilities
• Effective communication and conflict resolution
• Commitment to patient advocacy and evidence-based practice
• Cultural responsiveness and emotional intelligence
• Knowledge of perioperative regulatory and accreditation standards

About Howard University Hospital

With over 150 years of service to the Washington, DC community, Howard University Hospital is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University. We are committed to clinical excellence, academic advancement, health equity, and compassionate patient care.

Howard University Hospital fosters a Just Culture environment that promotes accountability, transparency, and continuous learning to improve patient safety and system performance.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Leadership growth opportunities within an academic medical center

Pay + Schedule

Pay Range: $84,680 – $135,488 annually

Schedule: Monday – Friday, primarily day shift. As a leadership position, flexibility is required, including availability for evenings and weekends as operational needs dictate.

Compliance Statements

Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law