The Clinical Alignment Program Director serves in a dual clinical and administrative leadership role supporting CRNA practice and departmental operations. This position acts as a clinical expert and trusted resource for CRNAs on complex clinical situations, evidence-based anesthesia practice, and departmental standards, while providing a visible leadership presence in the perioperative environment. The Director partners with the Chief CRNA, Operations Manager, and Lead CRNAs to oversee daily clinical operations, staffing, and workflow, and plays a key role in quality and regulatory compliance, including safety event review, Joint Commission readiness, and controlled substance diversion monitoring. The role also leads staff development efforts — coordinating CRNA orientation, mentorship, and competency validation, as well as SRNA program liaison duties — and supports recruitment, workforce retention, and performance management activities in collaboration with the Chief CRNA. The Clinical Alignment Program Director serves as a representative of CRNA leadership on interdisciplinary committees and works closely with physician, nursing, pharmacy, and perioperative leadership to advance patient care, operational efficiency, and a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions
- Serve as a clinical expert and trusted resource for CRNAs regarding anesthesia practice, evidence-based care, and complex clinical situations.
- Maintain current knowledge of departmental standards, health system policies, anesthesia practice guidelines, regulatory requirements, and national best practices.
- Promote clinical excellence by supporting standardization of care, adherence to evidence-based practice, and continuous quality improvement.
- Participate in the development, implementation, communication, and follow-up of departmental initiatives, clinical protocols, and organizational priorities.
- Serve as a clinical champion for implementation of new clinical equipment, technology, documentation processes, and workflow improvements.
- Review Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) metrics and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve compliance, patient outcomes, and staff education.
- Identify opportunities to improve clinical practice, patient safety, efficiency, and provider engagement.
- Serve as a visible leadership presence in the perioperative environment to provide real-time clinical support and decision-making.
- Support daily clinical operations to ensure efficient patient flow and high-quality anesthesia services.
- Oversee clinical workflows and operational processes while promoting teamwork, accountability, and service excellence.
- Partner with Lead CRNAs to address operational challenges, staffing concerns, patient flow, and daily clinical priorities.
- Troubleshoot clinical and operational issues in real time, providing timely resolution or escalation when appropriate.
- Collaborate with the Operations Manager to support staffing plans, scheduling needs, and operational continuity.
- Assist in maintaining appropriate clinical coverage during periods of staffing shortages or operational changes.
- Escalate significant operational, staffing, or patient safety concerns to the Chief CRNA and other appropriate leaders.
- Review Safety Intelligence (SI) reports and ensure appropriate investigation, documentation, follow-up, and communication.
- Collaborate with the Quality and Patient Safety Physician, Risk Management, and Quality departments on patient safety initiatives.
- Support departmental readiness for Joint Commission surveys and other regulatory or accreditation requirements.
- Assist with development, implementation, and monitoring of quality improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with the Chief CRNA and Pharmacy Department in reviewing Protenus alerts and other diversion detection software investigations to ensure compliance with medication security and controlled substance policies; provide follow-up re-education as needed.
- Identify opportunities to improve patient safety, quality outcomes, workflow efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate clinical assignments for new CRNAs in accordance with established orientation plans; delegate orientation duties to other members of the leadership team as needed.
- Lead departmental orientation and establish expectations for newly hired CRNAs.
- Coordinate and assign mentors through the CRNA mentorship program to facilitate successful onboarding.
- Monitor orientation progress and collaborate with preceptors and leadership to ensure successful transition into independent practice.
- Facilitate monthly Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA) orientation and serve as liaison to the SRNA program.
- Support ongoing clinical education, competency validation, and implementation of new clinical practices.
- Lead initiatives to ensure CRNA competency is completed for glucometers and iSTAT (night team).
- Serve as the School of Health Professions (SHP) liaison, fostering relationships with students, faculty, and academic partners.
- Participate in recruitment event planning, candidate outreach, interviews of potential candidates, and attend recruitment events.
- Evaluate locum CRNA candidates and provide recommendations regarding clinical competency.
- Participate in employee recognition and appreciation activities that strengthen departmental culture and retention.
- Collaborate with the Chief CRNA and department leadership regarding opportunities to improve the compensation package, and opportunities to retain and recruit CRNAs.
- Collaborate with the Chief CRNA in completion of annual CRNA performance evaluations.
- Complete Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and other competency assessment processes.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback to support employee development and performance improvement.
- Collaborate with the Chief CRNA regarding employee counseling, corrective action, performance improvement plans, and educational interventions as appropriate.
- Support recognition of employee accomplishments.
- Lead and assist in developing agendas and educational content for monthly CRNA department meetings.
- Communicate departmental priorities, organizational initiatives, policy updates, and operational changes effectively to staff.
- Identify opportunities for operational, clinical, and quality improvement and communicate recommendations to the Chief CRNA.
- Collaborate with physician leadership, nursing leadership, perioperative leadership, and pharmacy to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
- Facilitate respectful conflict resolution among interdisciplinary team members while promoting collaboration and a positive work environment.
- Serve as a representative of CRNA leadership on interdisciplinary committees and organizational workgroups, potentially including but not limited to: - Clinical Practice Committee (CPC) - Patient Safety Committee - Quality Improvement Committees - Administrator on Call (AOC)
- Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
- These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.
Required Education and Experience
- Master Degree Nursing
- 4 or more years experience as a CRNA
Required Licensure and Certification
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - State Board of Nursing Current license in good standing to practice as a CRNA in the state of Kansas
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Maintain appropriate continuing education credits for CRNA recertification as defined by the AANA and the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists
Knowledge Requirements
- Proficient in the use of computing hardware and software, including personal computing equipment, electronic medical record, word processing, and spreadsheet software
- Demonstrated ability to satisfy standards of performance delineated by law and associated professional practice standards
- Demonstrated reliability, integrity, and honesty
About The University of Kansas Hospital:
Recognized as one of the top hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, The University of Kansas Hospital is a 1045-bed academic medical center and Level 1 trauma center, with a mission to lead in the discovery of new knowledge, deliver outstanding patient care in this region and beyond, and educate the healthcare professionals of tomorrow. The Health System, consistently earning national recognition for outstanding quality and safety in several medical specialties, is known for its Center for Advanced Heart Care, Center for Transplantation, Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, and NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Magnet designation is proof of our hard-earned commitment to nursing excellence.
About Kansas City:
A metropolitan area of 2.3 million people, Kansas City offers the diversity and excitement of a large city with the charm and convenience of Midwest living. Walkable, tree-lined neighborhoods surround the campus, which is within close proximity to the city's top destinations, including the Kauffman Center of Performing Arts, Union Station & Science City, National WWI Museum, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, as well as the Country Club Plaza, a shopping district celebrated for its architectural design.
Overall, the Kansas City metropolitan area is a diverse and dynamic region with a rich cultural heritage, a strong economy, a vibrant downtown area, and a wide range of recreational and educational opportunities. It offers a high quality of life for its residents and attracts visitors from around the region and beyond. Residents enjoy safe, suburban neighborhoods, great restaurants and shopping, miles of bike paths, parks and lakes, and excellent schools (public, private, and universities for higher education).
The University of Kansas Health System is the official healthcare provider for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, KC Current, and T-Mobile Center. Kansas City is also home to Sporting KC and Kansas City Mavericks.
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