The Clinical Manager for PACU and Same Day Surgery is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and performance of the unit(s). This role provides 24-hour accountability for clinical operations, staffing, quality, safety, and patient experience. The manager works closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure efficient patient flow, high-quality care, and alignment with organizational goals. What the Job is Really Like You are accountable 24/7 for the unit , even when you are not physically on-site The role requires balancing clinical quality, staff engagement, and operational efficiency at the same time PACU and Same Day Surgery are high-throughput, time-sensitive environments —delays can impact the entire surgical schedule You’ll manage constant competing priorities , including staffing challenges, patient flow issues, and urgent clinical concerns The role involves frequent problem-solving in real time , especially when cases run late or patient conditions change You will work closely with surgeons, anesthesia, and leadership , requiring strong collaboration and communication skills Staff leadership is a major component—coaching, accountability, and addressing performance issues are ongoing responsibilities The role can be high-pressure , particularly during peak surgical volumes or staffing shortages Success requires both visibility on the unit and strategic thinking behind the scenes Work Environment & Demands Fast-paced perioperative environment (PACU and Same Day Surgery units) Frequent walking, standing, and movement throughout the unit (as reflected in physical demands on page 3) High mental demands, including sustained focus, decision-making, and multitasking Exposure to clinical environments, including post-anesthesia patients and urgent situations Requires flexibility to respond to issues outside of scheduled hours Combination of administrative work and active presence on the unit What Success Looks Like Patient flow is efficient, with minimal delays in recovery and discharge Clinical care meets or exceeds quality and safety standards Staff are engaged, supported, and held accountable Patient and family experience is positive and responsive Operational goals (throughput, staffing, budget) are consistently met Communication across surgical services is strong and collaborative You proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalate Caring for Our Team We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role. Happy to Help At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees