How to Be Surgical Services Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 16, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Surgical Services Managers are responsible for overseeing the efficient operation of their department and ensuring that their staff are providing the highest quality of care to their patients. This role is critical to the success of any medical facility, as it involves coordinating and leading staff to ensure that operations are running smoothly and efficiently. By ensuring that the personnel, equipment, and supplies are readily available and functioning properly, Surgical Services Managers are able to minimize delays and maximize patient safety and satisfaction.

these managers are also responsible for educating staff on the latest advancements in surgical techniques and technology, tracking patient outcomes, and maintaining accurate records of all surgeries performed in the facility. In short, a Surgical Services Manager plays an important role in providing patient safety and satisfaction, which leads to a higher level of care and improved patient outcomes.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an undergraduate degree in a field related to healthcare, such as nursing, health administration or public health. Many positions require a bachelor's degree, though some may accept an associate's degree or diploma.
Obtain a post-graduate degree in a related field. A master's degree in healthcare administration will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to manage a surgical services department.
Pursue certification as a Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM) through the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). Certification requires a minimum of two years of experience and successful completion of an exam.
Gain experience in the field by working as a registered nurse in a surgical services department.
Provide leadership and management skills to the department by developing and implementing policies and procedures, managing personnel, and monitoring patient care.
Build relationships with other departments in the hospital and with external organizations that provide services to the department.
Work closely with surgeons and other staff to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Monitor budgets, resources and staffing levels to ensure efficient operation of the surgical services department.

As a Surgical Services Manager, staying ahead and qualified requires dedication and understanding of the ever-evolving healthcare field. To remain proficient, it is essential to stay informed of recent trends and developments in the industry. This can be accomplished through attending conferences and seminars, engaging in continuing education courses, and joining professional associations.

having strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential in order to successfully manage a surgical team and ensure efficient operations. Finally, a manager should also be familiar with applicable laws and regulations related to the medical field in order to ensure compliance and safety standards are met. By staying informed and up-to-date on the latest trends in the field, a Surgical Services Manager can remain ahead and qualified.

You may want to check Surgical Services Director, Surgical Technologist Supervisor, and Surgical Technician Lead for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee all surgical services for the hospital, including operating rooms, endoscopy suites, and other ancillary areas.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure safe and efficient surgical services.
Manage staff to ensure high quality patient care, including hiring, training, scheduling and evaluating personnel.
Develop and manage budgets for the surgical services division.
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards.
Collaborate with other departments within the hospital to coordinate patient care.
Monitor patient outcomes and develop strategies to improve quality and safety.
Develop and maintain relationships with community physicians and other referral sources.
Participate in the development of short-term and long-term goals for the division.
Act as a leader and mentor to staff members to ensure positive morale and a positive work environment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy
Knowledge of surgical procedures and techniques
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve
Leadership and management skills
Ability to assess staff performance
Knowledge of surgical equipment and supplies
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to develop and implement protocols
Knowledge of regulatory standards
Effective communication skills
Ability to train staff
Financial management skills
Knowledge of patient safety protocols
Conflict resolution skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Knowledge of infection control protocols
Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with physicians, staff and patients

Leadership is an essential skill for any Surgical Services Manager. Effective leadership involves the ability to motivate, inspire and direct a team of healthcare professionals to work together in order to achieve desired goals. A successful Surgical Services Manager must be able to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the team, while also having the ability to take decisive action and make difficult decisions when necessary.

Furthermore, Surgical Services Managers must possess excellent communication abilities, both verbal and written, in order to effectively communicate with surgeons, staff, and other medical personnel. Excellent organizational skills are also essential for success, as Surgical Services Managers must be able to manage a number of tasks simultaneously. Finally, Surgical Services Managers must be able to think critically and be well-versed in current medical practices and procedures in order to ensure patient safety and quality care.

All of these skills are necessary for a successful Surgical Services Manager, and each contributes to the overall success of the organization.

Surgical Center Administrator, Surgical First Assistant, and Surgical Instrument Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Surgical Services?
What strategies have you used to successfully manage a surgical services team?
How do you ensure that all guidelines and regulations are followed in the Surgical Services Department?
How have you improved workflow and efficiency in your past positions?
How do you effectively handle conflict among team members in Surgical Services?
What challenges have you faced in managing a Surgical Services team?
How do you ensure that staff members are meeting their performance goals in Surgical Services?
How would you prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities for the Surgical Services Department?
How do you keep up to date with the latest technological advances in Surgical Services?
What strategies have you implemented to improve customer service in Surgical Services?

Common Tools in Industry

Operating Room Scheduling Software. A software system designed to manage the scheduling of surgeries and related activities in a hospital or clinic. (e. g. OR Manager)
Patient Information System. A software system designed to store and manage patient records, diagnostic results, and other healthcare data. (e. g. Cerner)
Electronic Medical Records (EMR). A software system designed to store and manage patient records, including medical history and other health information. (e. g. Epic Systems)
Clinical Management Software. A software system designed to manage clinical operations, including patient care, billing, and clinical documentation. (e. g. Athenahealth)
Medical Coding Software. A software system designed to assign codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing and reimbursement purposes. (e. g. ICD-10-CM)
Hospital Asset Management Software. A software system designed to track, manage, and maintain all assets within a hospital environment. (e. g. Fixed Asset Pro)
Surgical Supplies Inventory Management Software. A software system designed to track and manage surgical supplies across multiple departments in a hospital setting. (e. g. Mediware)
Data Analytics Software. A software system designed to analyze healthcare data and generate reports and insights to support decision making. (e. g. Tableau)
Clinical Protocol Management Software. A software system designed to manage clinical protocols and ensure compliance with best practices. (e. g. Clinical Protocol Manager)
Emergency Department Information System. A software system designed to track patient information and activities in the emergency department of a hospital or clinic. (e. g. EHR-EDIS)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
National Association of Surgical Technologists (NAST)
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA)
Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Hospital Association (AHA)
National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)

We also have Surgical ICU Nurse, Surgical Technician, and Surgical Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Operating Room (OR). A specialized room in a hospital or medical center where surgeries are performed.
Anesthesia. The use of drugs to reduce pain, put a patient to sleep, or keep them from feeling any pain during a surgical procedure.
Scrub Nurse. A nurse who assists in the preparation of a patient for surgery.
Post-Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU). A special unit in a hospital or medical center for monitoring of a patients condition after an anesthetic procedure.
Surgical Instruments. Specialized tools and equipment used for surgery.
Surgical Technologist. A professional who assists in the preparation of surgical instruments and the operating room before, during, and after a surgical procedure.
Sterilization. The process of removing all living organisms from an object or surface.
Infection Control. Processes and procedures used to prevent the spread of infection from one person to another or from one environment to another.
Surgical Safety. Practices used to ensure patient safety during a surgical procedure.
Preoperative Assessment. Evaluation of a patients physical and emotional condition before a surgical procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Surgical Services Manager?

A Surgical Services Manager is a healthcare professional responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a surgical department in a hospital or other healthcare facility. They oversee staff, manage budgets, coordinate patient care, and ensure that the department meets all regulatory requirements.

What are the qualifications for a Surgical Services Manager?

The qualifications for a Surgical Services Manager vary depending on the employer, but typically include a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration or a related field, several years of experience in a healthcare setting, and certification in management or a related specialty.

What are the responsibilities of a Surgical Services Manager?

The responsibilities of a Surgical Services Manager include budgeting, staff management, patient scheduling, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and working with other departments to ensure smooth operations.

What is the average salary for a Surgical Services Manager?

The average salary for a Surgical Services Manager is around $90,000 per year, depending on experience and geographic location.

What type of environment does a Surgical Services Manager work in?

A Surgical Services Manager typically works in a hospital or other healthcare setting, such as an ambulatory care center. They may also work in an outpatient clinic or outpatient surgery center.