Perioperative Safety Specialist

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center; Wake Forest (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is seeking a Perioperative Safety Specialist to lead safety initiatives across Surgical Services, ensuring program leadership, education, and compliance with regulatory standards. This role partners with physicians, nursing leaders, and administrative teams to advance safety across the health system.

The successful candidate will coordinate committees, develop staff education, and drive quality improvement projects focused on patient outcomes and

Qualifications

• BSN required.
• 2–3 years perioperative or procedure area nursing experience required.
• MSN preferred.
• Current RN license in North Carolina.
• CMLSO certification required within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate perioperative safety programs, committees, and initiatives.
• Support program goals through meeting facilitation, reporting, communication, and policy development.
• Design and implement evidence-based perioperative safety education programs for staff and providers.
• Monitor compliance with ANSI, AORN, TJC, and CMS standards.
• Serve as liaison between Surgical Services, facility leadership, and finance teams.
• Provide operational and educational guidance to Service Coordinators and nursing leadership.
• Develop and implement quality, safety, and process improvement projects focusing on patient outcomes.
• Collaborate with quality assessment, analytics, and organizational safety programs to drive improvements.
• Support system-wide adoption and standardization of perioperative safety practices.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

The Perioperative Safety Specialist provides leadership and coordination of important safety programs and areas of influence within Perioperative and Surgical Services shared services and departments across the health system. Manages program activities, education and regulatory compliance related to safety programs. In addition, provides ongoing support or leadership for a number of standing committees within the Surgical Quality Continuum that promote system wide safety standards. Works closely with physician, nursing, and administrative leadership of these committees and programs.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited School of Nursing required
• At least 2 to 3 years years of perioperative or procedure area nursing experience required
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of North Carolina
• Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO) certification required within one year of hire

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate perioperative safety programs, committees, and initiatives.
• Support program goals through meeting facilitation, reporting, communication, and policy development.
• Design and implement evidence-based perioperative safety education programs for staff and providers.
• Monitor compliance with regulatory and professional standards, including ANSI, AORN, The Joint Commission (TJC), and CMS.
• Serve as liaison between Surgical Services, facility leadership, Perioperative Executive Committee, and finance teams.
• Provide operational and educational guidance to Service Coordinators, nursing staff, and leadership.
• Develop and implement quality, safety, and process improvement projects focused on patient outcomes and operational performance.
• Collaborate with quality assessment, analytics, and organizational safety programs to drive improvement initiatives.
• Support system-wide adoption and standardization of perioperative safety practices across the health system.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present data to influence practice improvements
• Experience developing and implementing educational programs and process improvements
• Strong clinical informatics and computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities