Pre-Admission Testing Nurse

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Surgical Services, the Pre-Admission Nurse performs a verbal assessment with the patient prior to admission via a phone interview as well as collects the patient’s medical history from previous medical records. The nurse also works closely with the anesthesia department in coordinating the patient’s needs. Ability to work in a self-directed environment with little supervision. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Telephone voice/speech pattern is articulate and has a pleasant tone. Have a professional demeanor and ability to work as a member of a team with the ability to prioritize tasks.   

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Practice appropriate telephone and patient triage skills, being aware of the need to balance quality care with efficient use of time and resources. 
• Perform verbal assessment with patient prior to admission-in person or via telephone, communicating information to appropriate team members. 
• Ensure preoperative care requirements of patients are accomplished through use of the nursing process including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. 
• Perform patient teaching/education as established by the department. 
• Assess pertinent information, plan, implement and document interventions and evaluate results. 
• Maintain and promote patient’s safety by assessing physical and psychological needs. 
• Respond to telephone inquiries regarding expressed needs of the caller. 
• Perform outbound follow-up calls as requested. 
• Provide general health information. 
• Refer caller to appropriate resources including medical/ambulatory care, hospital services and community services within established procedures and guidelines. 
• Thoroughly document all call encounters utilizing manual and/or online information systems at the time of the call. 
• Alert anesthesia of results of labs, physical assessment, or special needs of individual with medical problems prior to date of surgery.  
• Use effective communication techniques which adhere to common standards of courtesy. 
• Answer inquiries in a timely and helpful manner. 
• Communicate arrival time and NPO instructions to patients as prescribed. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of the centers policies, protocols and safety plans. Contribute to the goals of the center and support the centers philosophies. 
• Demonstrate flexibility in performance of patient care tasks to achieve timely, responsive, cost effective and high quality care. Demonstrates flexibility in performance to achieve the centers goals. 
• Accept responsibility for own professional growth and continued education. 
• Demonstrate high quality customer service to our patients, their families, physicians and each other. 
• Respect the confidentiality of the patient. 
• Document and report incidents according to procedure. 
• Reflect respect for patients, families and all health team members. 
• Communicate effectively, conscientiously and frequently with all team members to share information and independently solve problems in a positive, results oriented manner. 
• Knowledgeable in surgical procedures, medications, anesthesia techniques and ambulatory surgery to answer patient questions and give appropriate preoperative instructions. 
• Provide preoperative instructions and emotional support to patient and family. 
• Assume all other duties and responsibilities assigned by Chief Nursing Officer. 
• Complete patient charting in an accurate, concise and timely manner. 

Education and Experience: 

• Graduate of accredited School of Nursing                                                                                                                                                                 
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in OR, PACU or ICU setting 
• 1-2 years Ambulatory Surgery Center experience preferred 
• Current VA RN License and BLS, ACLS certification 

Salary Range $36-$47/hour