Registered Nurse - Pre-Op

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary / Scope of responsibility

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is one of the nation’s largest Orthopaedics practices, owned and operated by physicians, with over 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. With approximately 2,000 employees, working in 28 Divisions, CAO is a growing business with revenues of approximately $250 Million. CAO is committed to be the Orthopaedics provider of choice for our patients; partner of choice for payors and health systems; and employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce.

The Pre-Operative Intake Nurse (RN) is responsible for preparing patients for surgical procedures by completing comprehensive pre-operative assessments, verifying medical history, ensuring all required documentation and clearances are obtained, and providing patient education. The nurse works closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and administrative staff to ensure patients are optimized for surgery and that all clinical and regulatory requirements are met prior to the procedure.

This position will support operations at Watkins Mill Surgery Center, ensuring efficient daily workflows and high-quality patient care delivery. Watkins Mill Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, serving the DMV region and specializing in orthopedic surgery and pain management.

Pay Range: $45-58/ hour

Primary Responsibilities

The incumbent may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the Mission, Core Values and Operating Principles of CAO.

• Conduct complete pre-operative assessments, including review of patient history, medications, allergies, and emotional status.
• Perform and document all necessary pre-operative testing (e.g., lab work); report abnormal values to anesthesia or the surgeon.
• Explain surgical consents, rights, responsibilities, and pre/post-op instructions; obtain required patient signatures.
• Communicate clearly with patients and families regarding the surgical process and what to expect after, during, and after the procedure.
• Provide comfort and reassurance, supporting patients’ rights to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
• Coordinate with anesthesia providers to ensure findings are reviewed after their evaluations.
• Complete pre-admission checklists and transition documentation to the operating room team.
• Ensure patient records and documentation are complete and available for review on the day after surgery.
• Organize and efficiently track surgical patients and documentation to ensure workflow continuity.
• Initiate pre-operative calls 1–2 days prior to surgery to review history, medications, and instructions.
• Communicate with surgeon office staff to obtain missing or required paperwork.
• Obtain patient records for pre-op testing and ensure required documentation is on file.
• Performs follow-up calls to all post-surgical patients to answer any questions and directs patient to doctor’s office when appropriate.
• Documents and file post operative phone calls in chart.
• Pre-Op Area Management:
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the pre-op/recovery area in compliance with infection control standards.
• Assist in inventory management of drugs, supplies, and equipment in the pre-op area.
• Use clinical equipment safely and effectively, anticipating patient needs.Follow all accepted standards of practice and confirm that procedures are completed correctly and safely.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

The Registered Nurse reports directly to the Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing

This role does not have direct reports.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
• Maryland or Compact RN license.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in an outpatient surgery or hospital pre-op unit
• BLS certification
• ACLS certification
• Proficient knowledge of medical terminology.
• Experience collaborating across multiple functions.
• Experience innovating in a fast-growing work environment and dealing with ambiguity.

Competencies / Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong Interpersonal Skills - Ability to develop relationships and collaborate and influence in a decentralized organization.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment with a proven track record of results.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience.
• Able to work independently.
• Excellent time management, organization, and administrative support skills.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in the English language.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics when making necessary transfers and helping patients with exercises.
• Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting.
• Some heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a standard work shift.
• Adequate hearing to perform duties in person and over telephone.
• Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, medical equipment, fax machine, scanner, photocopier, and telephone.
• Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading materials from printed sources and computer screens.
• Requires exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment.