Assistant Head Nurse - General Surgery

Alberta Health Services; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Alberta is looking for an Assistant Head Nurse to coordinate patient care in the Surgical Suite. The role requires leadership and experience in General Surgery, along with effective communication skills to guide nursing staff. Ideal candidates will have at least five years of experience in a surgical environment and hold relevant certifications. This is a full-time position with competitive pay and is focused on high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Active or eligible for registration with CRNA.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support certification.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the OR specializing in General Surgery.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate a multi-disciplinary team providing patient care in the Surgical Suite.
• Take leadership in promoting quality patient care.
• Guide nursing staff in the use and development of the nursing care plan.

Skills

Clinical resource

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Conflict management

Critical thinking

Education

Completion of an accredited nursing education program

Perioperative CNA Certification

Job description

Your Opportunity

This position is responsible for the coordination of a multi-disciplinary team providing patient care in a Surgical Suite. The Assistant Head Nurse of General Surgery acts as a clinical resource for nurses, MDRD, CPSM, booking clerks, and vendors with the added responsibility of the daily coordination of patient care activities on the unit.

Description

As an Assistant Head Nurse, you will be responsible for staff assignments, patient flow and acting as a role model, clinical resource and advocate for nursing staff. In addition to providing frontline nursing care, as required, you will take a leadership role in the promotion of quality patient care and the implementation of operational priorities. Your in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience, will assist in providing solutions for complex health care issues at all levels with patients, interprofessional teams, administrators and policy makers. You will play a key role in providing safe, quality patient and family centered care while reflecting the shared vision and values of AHS.

• Classification: Assistant Head Nurse
• Union: United Nurses of Alberta
• Unit and Program: Surgical Suite - Operating Room
• Primary Location: Chinook Regional Hospital
• Location Details: As Per Location
• Multi-Site: At (UNA only)
• FTE: 1.00
• Posting End Date: 24-NOV-2025
• Employee Class: Regular Full Time
• Date Available: 05-JAN-2026
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 12
• Shifts per cycle: 57
• Shift Pattern: Days
• Days Off: As Per Rotation
• Minimum Salary: $44.71
• Maximum Salary: $61.18
• Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

Required Qualifications

Completion of an accredited nursing education program. Active or eligible for registration and practice permit with the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA). Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP).

Additional Required Qualifications

Perioperative CNA Certification Minimum 5 years' experience in the OR specializing in General Surgery. Coordinates the workflow and delivery of patient care in the unit. Assigns patient care and directs the workflow in the unit by evaluating and assessing priorities. Guides and assists the nursing staff in the use of nursing process, in the development and utilization of the nursing care plan in patient care, developing alternative actions where necessary. Assumes leadership and charge roles of critical unit. Acts as a role model and sets the tone for a positive work environment. Supports educator to maintain an active clinical teaching role. Adapts to constantly changing work environments. Utilizes conflict management skills to resolve conflict with the care to maintain order in the unit. Demonstrates effective communication skills - articulates expectations to nurses, support staff, physicians and other members of the team. Collaborates with medical staff and manager to provide information and evaluation regarding Capital equipment request budgets. Reviews current research and literature to enhance patient care. Participates in committees. Promotes a high level of critical thinking in patient care roles and leadership roles.

Preferred Qualifications

Graduate from an accredited nursing program. Certification CPN(C) preferred. Previous experience as Surgical suite charge RN. Current knowledge in all specialties including trauma cases within the OR. Ability to demonstrate handling heavy or awkward items (lifting, transferring, and carrying). Ability to manage high level of physical, emotional and mental stress from staff. Promotes safe work environment for the team.