Registered Nurse- Pre Admission Services

Pre-Admission Surgery Day

Overview Employer Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits! Wage Range: $48.18-$81.97 Shift: Day 8:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. Schedule: Mon, Tues, Fri Holiday Rotation: B

Definition of Position: The Pre-Admission Services (PAS) Registered Nurse specializes in comprehensive pre-operative patient assessment and risk evaluation to ensure optimal surgical outcomes and patient safety. This role focuses primarily on the pre-operative phase of the patient's surgical experience, conducting thorough screenings to identify potential anesthesia and surgical risks through telephone consultations and in-person visits. The RN works collaboratively with PAS advanced practice provider, anesthesia team, surgeons, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient preparation and ensure appropriate medical clearance prior to procedures. RN ensures provision of quality, evidence-based care through utilization of the nursing process, established clinical protocols, and evidence-based risk assessment tools. The Pre-Admission Services RN acts as a patient advocate, ensuring surgical patients are appropriately evaluated, medically optimized when indicated, and thoroughly educated about pre-operative preparation and expectations for their surgical experience. This position requires advanced clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently while maintaining close collaboration with the perioperative care team.

Responsibilities Essential Job Functions:

• Clinical Care & Patient Management
• Conduct comprehensive pre-operative assessments via telephone and in-person consultations to evaluate patient readiness for surgery and anesthesia
• Perform systematic review of patient medical history, current medications, allergies, and previous surgical/anesthetic experiences
• Assess and identify potential anesthesia and surgical risks using evidence-based screening tools and established clinical protocols
• Evaluate patient's physical, psychological, and social readiness for planned procedures
• Monitor vital signs and perform focused physical assessments as indicated during in-person pre-admission visits
• Recognize high-risk patients requiring additional medical clearance, optimization, or specialty consultation
• Coordinate pre-operative testing, consultations, and medical clearances based on patient risk factors and procedure requirements
• Make independent clinical judgments regarding patient readiness for surgery based on established protocols
• Electronic Health Record Management & Communication
• Document comprehensive pre-operative assessments and risk evaluations accurately and completely in Epic
• Monitor and triage Epic InBasket messages related to pre-admission services in accordance with clinic protocols
• Provide telephone triage for pre-operative patient calls regarding clinical questions and procedure preparation
• Manage referrals and coordinate pre-operative consultations between specialties and primary care providers
• Communicate assessment findings and recommendations clearly to anesthesia providers (anesthesiologists and CRNAs), surgeons, and healthcare team members
• Process and coordinate pre-operative orders, laboratory results, and diagnostic testing
• Respond to patient portal messages and telephone calls regarding pre-operative preparation within established timeframes
• Patient Education & Support
• Provide comprehensive pre-operative education tailored to individual patient needs, literacy levels, and cultural backgrounds
• Explain surgical procedures, anesthesia options, and post-operative expectations in terms patients can understand
• Deliver written and verbal instructions for pre-operative preparation including dietary restrictions, medication management, and arrival procedures
• Address patient and family concerns, questions, and anxieties regarding upcoming procedures
• Counsel patients on pre-operative medication adjustments, NPO guidelines, and preparation requirements specific to their procedure
• Support patients in understanding informed consent processes and documentation requirements
• Facilitate patient understanding of post-operative care expectations and discharge planning
• Team Collaboration & Clinical Support
• The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures
• Collaborate effectively with Pre-Admission Services Nurse Practitioner and anesthesia team to optimize patient care plans
• Work closely with certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, as well as day surgery and operating room nursing staff to ensure coordinated perioperative care
• Participate in multidisciplinary care planning meetings and case discussions regarding high-risk patients
• Communicate effectively with clinic staff, scheduling departments, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless care coordination
• Function as an integral member of the perioperative care team
• Consult with and support clinic staff in scheduling optimization and care coordination activities
• Maintain effective working relationships across multiple departments and service lines
• Quality & Compliance
• Adhere to all clinic policies, procedures, and safety protocols specific to pre-admission services
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements including OSHA, HIPAA, and DNV standards
• Apply evidence-based practice guidelines and institutional policies to ensure consistent, high-quality pre-operative care
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to pre-admission services and patient outcomes
• Identify opportunities for process improvement in pre-admission workflows and patient care delivery
• Monitor and evaluate patient satisfaction and outcomes related to pre-admission services
• Recognize and report potential safety concerns, near misses, or adverse events
• Ensure proper infection control practices during patient interactions and equipment use
• Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum)

Qualifications:

• Education Required: Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Preferred: Evidence of continuing education that is appropriate for skill level and area of practice. BSN.
• Licenses/ certifications/ registrations Required: Current, unrestricted Oregon and Washington Registered Nurse licenses. Current BLS, ACLS certification.
• Preferred: PALS certification. Specialty certification relevant to assigned clinical areas (e.g., CPAN, CAPA, CNOR).
• Experience Required: Previous nursing experience. The ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
• Preferred: Bilingual and/or English Spanish speaking. Minimum 2 years of clinical nursing experience. Previous surgical experience. Experience with Epic electronic health record system.
• Knowledge of computers, phones, and other office equipment.
• Knowledge in clinical equipment including but not limited to: EKG, vital sign monitoring devices, glucometer, scales, etc.
• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency in patient education and health promotion that is appropriate for the patient's age-specific, cultural, physical, and psychosocial well-being.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.

Physical Requirements:

The physical and sensory functions described below are essential to the successful performance of this position. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, as is the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes, such as identifying medications or safety indicators. Tactile perception is also important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, or texture during patient care. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for the use of medical equipment and procedures. The position also involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The role requires the ability to lift to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds. There may also be occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, with the expectation that appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance will be used to ensure safety. May sit for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:

This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures. The role involves frequent exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment, with the expectation that all staff follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. The health care environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances, including high-pressure or emergency situations. The work setting also involves multiple simultaneous demands

Good Shepherd Health Care System