The PAT RN performs comprehensive pre-operative assessments and coordinates necessary diagnostic testing and clearances for surgical patients. They are responsible for educating patients and families on surgical processes and ensuring all documentation is complete prior to surgery.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be a graduate of an accredited School of Nursing with a current RN license in DC or a compact license and BLS certification. A minimum of 1-2 years of acute care or perioperative experience is required, with a BSN and ACLS preferred.
bachelor degreeprofessional certificateDocumentationElectronic Health RecordsPatient EducationCare CoordinationPatient SafetyCritical ThinkingNursing AssessmentClinical JudgmentMultidisciplinary CollaborationRisk IdentificationPre-operative AssessmentPerioperative Care
Job description
Responsibilities
Unit
Overview Pre‑Admission Testing (PAT) supports all surgical services across the hospital, including inpatient and outpatient procedures in specialties such as general surgery, orthopedics, GI, plastics, ENT, neurosurgery, urology, and gynecology. The team focuses on optimizing patients’ readiness for surgery through standardized protocols, safety checklists, and close collaboration with surgeons, anesthesia, and perioperative nursing. Job Summary
The Pre‑Admission Testing RN is responsible for completing comprehensive pre‑operative assessments, coordinating necessary diagnostic testing and clearances, and educating patients and families to ensure safe, efficient surgical care.
This role requires strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and effective communication with providers, schedulers, and the perioperative team across all surgical services.
Main Responsibilities Perform pre‑admission nursing assessments, including history, medications, allergies, comorbidities, and risk factors.
Review medical records and test results; identify and communicate potential risks to anesthesia and surgeons.
Coordinate and track required labs, EKGs, imaging, and consults per protocols and provider orders.
Provide clear pre‑operative instructions (NPO, medications, skin prep, arrival time) and post‑operative expectations.
Educate patients and families on the surgical process, pain management, and discharge planning for inpatient and outpatient procedures.
Ensure all documentation, test results, and clearances are complete and available before the day of surgery.
Collaborate with surgeons’ offices, anesthesia, perioperative units, and scheduling to minimize delays and cancellations.
Document assessments, interventions, and patient teaching accurately in the electronic health record.
Adhere to safety, regulatory, and infection prevention standards and participate in quality and performance improvement.
Qualifications
Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing; BSN preferred.
Current RN license in the District of Columbia (or a compact license, as applicable).
Current BLS certification; ACLS preferred or obtained within the organizational timeframe.
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Competitive Compensation
Generous Paid Time Off
Career Development Opportunities
SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
Prescription Drug Plans
Discounted Stock Plan
401(K) With Company Match
Tuition Savings For Nursing Education
Minimum of 1–2 years of recent acute care and/or perioperative experience; prior PAT, pre‑op, PACU, or surgical services experience preferred.
Strong assessment, critical thinking, and patient education skills.
Proficiency with electronic health records and the ability to work in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary environment.
Benefit & Rewards Highlights Challenging and rewarding work environment Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program Tuition savings to continue your nursing education with Chamberlain University Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com About GW Hospital The George Washington University Hospital is a 395-bed academic medical center located in the heart of Washington, DC, in partnership with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
As a nationally recognized center of clinical excellence and innovation, we offer world-class care across a wide range of specialties.
Our nurses play a vital role in shaping the patient experience, contributing to research, and driving improvements in care outcomes.
About Universal Health Services One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), has built an impressive record of achievement and performance.
Growing steadily since its inception as an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, the company reported annual revenues of $17.4 billion in 2025.
In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies™, and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ' ranking of America's largest public companies.
Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries.
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