The PAT Nurse conducts pre-operative assessments and ensures patients are medically optimized for surgery through evaluations and risk stratification. They coordinate testing with other departments and provide comprehensive pre-procedural education to patients.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be a Registered Nurse with a BSN, BLS certification, and at least 2 years of experience in Pre-op/PACU. Proficiency in EHR systems and strong clinical assessment skills are required.
The Pre-Admission Test (PAT) Nurse plays a critical role in preparing patients for surgery by conducting pre-operative assessments and ensuring patients are medically optimized before their scheduled procedures. This position involves reviewing medical histories, coordinating pre-surgical testing, patient education, and collaborating with the surgical team to promote safe and effective perioperative care.
Qualifications
Registered Nurse (RN) license
Bachelor of Science in Nursing ( BSN)
Current BLS certification (ACLS preferred)
Minimum of 2 years of clinical nursing experience required in Pre-op/PACU
Familiarity with basic diagnostic interpretation
Strong clinical judgment and assessment skills
Excellent communication and patient education abilities
Organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care
Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking abilities.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a patient-centered approach.
Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) and other healthcare information systems.
Capability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Essential Functions
Conduct detailed evaluations of patients scheduled for elective or urgent procedures, including reviewing medical histories, current health status, and necessary diagnostic test results.
Evaluate physical assessments and risk stratification to determine patients’ readiness for admission and potential complications.
Collaborate closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists, and other members of the healthcare team to ensure that all pre-admission testing requirements are met.
Coordinate with laboratory and imaging departments to schedule necessary tests and follow up on results.
Act as the primary point of contact for patients, addressing any concerns and clarifying pre-admission instructions.
Provide comprehensive patient education regarding pre-procedural requirements, such as fasting, medication adjustments, and logistics on the day of admission.
Develop and distribute educational materials and resources to support patient understanding and compliance.
Offer support by answering patient queries and ensuring they understand their testing and admission process.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of all pre-admission assessments, test results, and communications in accordance with surgery center policies and regulatory guidelines.
Identify and report discrepancies or concerns in patient records or test outcomes to ensure timely intervention.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the pre-admission process and patient care outcomes.
Assist in the development and implementation of protocols to streamline pre-admission procedures.
Participate in training and continuous education programs to remain updated on best practices and regulatory changes.
Physical Demands: Standing, walking, sitting
Maintaining varied body motions and positions for long periods of time.
Occasional lifting; moving up to 50 pounds.
Manual dexterity.
Work Environment
Occupational Exposure - Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may encounter radiation exposure.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
