Hospital - Pre-Admission Test Charge RN

The Charge RN, Pre-Admission Testing, is a proficient-level clinician who provides advanced pre-surgical assessment, patient education, and coordination of surgical readiness activities. The Charge RN conducts pre-admission testing by telephone, televisit, or in-person encounter; reviews medical and medication history; identifies potential anesthesia or surgical risks; and coordinates required diagnostic testing, clearances, and documentation prior to the scheduled procedure.  May serve as charge nurse as needed, assessing the unit's needs related to practice and improvement opportunities, serving as a clinical resource for both unit and hospital staff, and coordinating unit and hospital-wide education in partnership with management. This role serves as a clinical resource for team workflows and promotes safe, timely, and patient-centered surgical preparation at UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty & Research Hospital.
 

• Conducts pre-operative assessments by phone, televisit, or in person, including review of medical history, medication history, allergies, prior testing, and procedure-specific readiness needs.
• Identifies potential anesthesia, surgical, or medical risks and escalates concerns to anesthesia providers, surgeons, clinics, or leadership as appropriate.
• Coordinates with surgeons, anesthesiologists, primary care providers, clinics, and ancillary departments to obtain required clearances, lab work, radiology, EKGs, and other diagnostic testing.
• Provides direct and indirect nursing care according to established standards, taking into consideration the age, condition, and risk factors of the patient.
• Uses the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate pre-admission testing needs and readiness for surgery or procedures.
• Educates patients and families regarding pre-surgery instructions, including fasting, medication management, arrival planning, hygiene instructions, and procedure expectations.
• Ensures required documentation, testing, and clearances are complete prior to the scheduled procedure and communicates readiness concerns in a timely manner.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Functions as a patient advocate by addressing patient questions, supporting care coordination, and promoting safe and effective surgical preparation.
• Performs or coordinates laboratory testing required prior to surgery within scope, training, and hospital policy.
• Participates in huddles, workflow review, chart audits, and quality improvement activities that support patient safety, timely case starts, and reduction of preventable delays or cancellations.
• Serves as a clinical resource and mentor for staff, students, and new employees in pre-admission testing workflows.
• Maintains skills for equipment, systems, and processes necessary to complete assigned responsibilities.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

• Advanced knowledge of pre-admission testing and preoperative readiness processes, including medical history review, medication reconciliation, diagnostic testing, and surgical clearance requirements.
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize potential anesthesia or surgical risks and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Ability to apply nursing standards, evidence-based practice, and hospital policies in complex and varied clinical situations.
• Excellent verbal, written, telephone, and interpersonal communication skills with patients, families, physicians, anesthesia providers, clinics, and interprofessional team members.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple patient readiness activities in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to educate patients and families regarding pre-surgery instructions, fasting requirements, medication management, arrival planning, and procedure expectations.
• Knowledge of age- and population-appropriate nursing care from infant through adult patient populations.
• Proficient in electronic health records and clinical documentation systems; working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to serve as a preceptor and a mentor by fostering a teaching environment. Position eligible for preceptor premium pay with completion of preceptor education and leader approval

Education:

• Bachelor's of Science in Nursing required

Additional Qualifications:

• Current Texas Board of Nursing (or Compact State) RN license; Or a Temporary Texas RN License (Permanent TX license within 90 days upon hire). 
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, within 7 days of hire.