Pre Admission Testing Liaison

Mount Nittany Health•State College, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY The liaison is responsible to the Anesthesia Practice Manager/PAT Nurse Manager and/or designee for overall PAT specialty practice (Surgery Center, Medical Center Inpatient/Outpatient and ENDO coverage). The liaison functions as a leader and facilitator with designated specialty areas: patients, surgeon(s), surgeon and other medical/specialty offices, Anesthesia, PAT, clinical nursing area and administrative staff. Incumbent promotes professional interaction based on the current ASPAN standards and Medical Center policies. The goal is to optimize surgical outcomes and readiness to prevent delays and/or cancellations. The liaison coordinates and is responsible to problem solve, increase communication, collaborate with all team members on achieving surgical assessment, planning, implementation, teaching and evaluation. The liaison is cross-trained to all PAT specialties, in the event of increase volumes or PTO. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Education: Associate Degree or Diploma as a Registered Nurse required Bachelor of Science of Nursing preferred Experience: Associate Degree/ Diploma or BSN: A minimum of two - four years current Surgical Service care clinical experience with pre-op assessment, surgical teaching and medication reconciliation. Previous supervisory experience preferred. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Must have knowledge of hospital admitting procedures, health care legislation and government/regulatory health related agencies. Ability to prepare Summary Reports, EMR updates and use computer programs such as: Power Point, Excel, Word and ECT. Ability to document data and other information. Effectively communicates with co-workers, patients, medical staff, visitors, and other Medical Center personnel. Ability to function in an independent manner with little or no need for direct supervision. Possesses a pleasant personality for dealing with patients and team members. Demonstrates an ability to communicate effectively; expresses ideas clearly; actively listens. Works well with others to solve interpersonal conflicts and problems without need of superiors. Demonstrates an ability to identify and solve problems. Good organizational skills and dexterity needed for typing, communication via telephone, and computer use. Basic computer skills. Good command of the English language, verbal and written. Demonstrates an ability to initiate critical thinking skills and detail oriented which will identify and resolve problems related to chat pre readiness/completeness. License/Certification/Registration: Current Pennsylvania RN licensure. Certification in related surgical specialty is preferred. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Receives minimal supervision from the Anesthesia Practice Manager/PAT Nurse Manager. Performs duties in an independent manner. Seeks guidance when necessary. Consults with the Anesthesia Practice Manager/PAT Nurse Manager when unusual situations arise. SUPERVISION GIVEN Supervises other PAT clerical and technical staff as needed. Responsibilities ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Chart Check and Preparation Works 2-5 days in advance preparing charts, including any add-on patients. Collects and files paperwork and medical records from multiple areas: US mail, interoffice mail, Medical Center/Surgery Center courier, and from Scheduler. Obtains and cross references forms related to H&P, Consent, OR Schedule and booking form. Obtains and reviews ordered/required Pre-op testing completeness and secured with chart. Identifies AM orders and special consideration that will allow for efficient OR readiness and preparation. Collects appropriate other testing or consults per orders. Notifies offices of deficiencies in required paperwork. Contacts patients and/or physician’s offices to gather appropriate information. Works with the team to identify procedures on OR consent that may conflict with the scheduled surgery. Keeps current on new procedures. Transcribes/enters orders via computer. Places/ scans Pharmacy related orders. Distributes all patients’ charts to the nurses’ station in pre-operative area for next day service. Contacts anesthesia to review charts preoperatively. Deals directly with anesthesia physicians for appropriate patient/surgeon guidelines. Provides a final review of all charts for record completeness to appropriate staff and handoff process to have any outstanding concerns resolved or a working plan. The PAT Nurse utilizes a collaborative process initiating, facilitating, efficient care and data collection according to Pre- Anesthesia Testing Guidelines. Completes PAT interview office and phone appointments by completing designated: Pre-op Assessments, Vital Signs, Medication Reconciliation, enter Pre-op Orders and pre-op teaching appropriate to surgery. Adapts patient care to meet changing needs in the outpatient setting. Assessment include means such as telephone interview, or other electronic data collection methods. Develops an individual plan of care for the outpatient setting that is based on age and health status of the patient. Implements nursing interventions by integrating Ambulatory Care Unit (as well as Mount Nittany Medical Center) policies and procedures with process. Ensures that information regarding supplies and equipment is communicated with the appropriate department or care provider prior to the patient’s date of surgery, so that they are available and ready for treatment or procedures as needed. Provides information to patient and family or significant other that will enable the patient to achieve and maintain an optimal level of health throughout the surgical experience. This process may begin before the admission of the patient and end after discharge by promoting wellness through patient education. Promotes quality patient care and effective use of resources. Consistently demonstrates an ability to assess a situation from a variety of perspectives, consider several alternatives, and choose an appropriate course of action. Pursues opportunities to improve patient care and resolves identified issues or problems. Recognizes continued need for containment of costs without jeopardizing quality of patient care. Obtains and analyzes all pertinent information available to make the most informed decision based on factual and objective data. Develops, in collaboration with other health care providers, pathways/guidelines/protocols for care of patients. Uses initiative and good judgment to reach quality decisions. Maintains confidentiality of all records and information received in the course of work activities. Manages patient care. Assures that patients have received assessment and reassessment of physical care, psychosocial support and education to be discharged safely. Assures collaboration with appropriate other health care providers resulting in formulation of a nursing diagnosis and initiation/revision of a care plan consistent with the medical plan of care. Actively participates in utilization management of patients across the continuum of care. Manages communication. Acts as a liaison with the medical staff to coordinate medical and nursing management of patient care. Serves as resource for conflict resolution when patient issues are unresolved by primary care givers. Presents changes and innovations in a positive manner. Demonstrates oral and written communication skills related to patient teaching. Acts as a liaison among anesthesia/ surgical and various office staff. Participates in team approach to facilitate and develop efficient workflows including improved electronic pathways, teaching material, chart preparation, office support with surgeon, Anesthesia and other physician offices. Collaborates in a team approach with surgeon’s office, clerical, technical, other nursing and anesthesia staff to promote a positive timely experience to meet patient needs in preparing for surgery and anesthesia. Participates and provides oversight and assistance with clerical support staff in obtaining outside testing/studies and troubleshooting scheduling appointments and workflow. Demonstrates the ability to prioritize work load, focusing on excellent customer service to patients, surgeons, and anesthesia staff providing a safe quality surgical experience. Assists and facilitates the PAT Tech process to provide safe timely complete testing service. Collaborates/Communicates with the Anesthesia team workflow such as order clarification, outside studies and medication, pre-certification process and other tasks as instructed to allow for efficient, quality patient experience. Assists and supports the clerical Anesthesia Chart Review process for timely, efficient, and accurate completion of charts. Assists and supports chart check process and chart readiness for next day. Manages professional growth and development. Demonstrates the qualities of advocate, role model, mentor and facilitator during growth and development of self, nursing staff and other health care team members. Delegates appropriately and provides unity of command; assists Practice Manager in delegation responsibilities. Provides leadership, direction and remediation to unit specific nursing personnel in accordance with organizational, departmental and governing agency goals, objectives and standards. Completes PAT department statistic collection, data reporting and interpretation of data for workflow improvements. Assists with PAT department meeting, staff evaluations, corrective action plans, and staff growth/education. Participates in developing PAT policies, procedures, orientation and competencies as well as other assigned department documents. Participates in PAT Scheduling, payroll, and budgeting process to allow for cost saving in staff and supplies. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned. Accepts additional assignments as assigned. Voluntarily assists clerical / tech staff when workload fluctuates. Normal work schedule will be Monday through Friday. Starting time may vary. Will only occasionally be scheduled to work weekends or evenings as required for PAT coverage

Requirements

Associate Degree or Diploma as a Registered Nurse required
Bachelor of Science of Nursing preferred
Associate Degree/ Diploma or BSN: A minimum of two - four years current Surgical Service care clinical experience with pre-op assessment, surgical teaching and medication reconciliation.
Must have knowledge of hospital admitting procedures, health care legislation and government/regulatory health related agencies.
Ability to prepare Summary Reports, EMR updates and use computer programs such as: Power Point, Excel, Word and ECT.
Ability to document data and other information.
Effectively communicates with co-workers, patients, medical staff, visitors, and other Medical Center personnel.
Ability to function in an independent manner with little or no need for direct supervision.
Possesses a pleasant personality for dealing with patients and team members.
Demonstrates an ability to communicate effectively; expresses ideas clearly; actively listens.
Works well with others to solve interpersonal conflicts and problems without need of superiors.
Demonstrates an ability to identify and solve problems.
Good organizational skills and dexterity needed for typing, communication via telephone, and computer use.
Basic computer skills.
Good command of the English language, verbal and written.
Demonstrates an ability to initiate critical thinking skills and detail oriented which will identify and resolve problems related to chat pre readiness/completeness.
Current Pennsylvania RN licensure.
Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.

Nice To Haves

Previous supervisory experience preferred.
Certification in related surgical specialty is preferred.

Responsibilities

Chart Check and Preparation
Works 2-5 days in advance preparing charts, including any add-on patients.
Collects and files paperwork and medical records from multiple areas: US mail, interoffice mail, Medical Center/Surgery Center courier, and from Scheduler.
Obtains and cross references forms related to H&P, Consent, OR Schedule and booking form.
Obtains and reviews ordered/required Pre-op testing completeness and secured with chart.
Identifies AM orders and special consideration that will allow for efficient OR readiness and preparation.
Collects appropriate other testing or consults per orders.
Notifies offices of deficiencies in required paperwork.
Contacts patients and/or physician’s offices to gather appropriate information.
Works with the team to identify procedures on OR consent that may conflict with the scheduled surgery.
Keeps current on new procedures.
Transcribes/enters orders via computer.
Places/ scans Pharmacy related orders.
Distributes all patients’ charts to the nurses’ station in pre-operative area for next day service.
Contacts anesthesia to review charts preoperatively.
Deals directly with anesthesia physicians for appropriate patient/surgeon guidelines.
Provides a final review of all charts for record completeness to appropriate staff and handoff process to have any outstanding concerns resolved or a working plan.
The PAT Nurse utilizes a collaborative process initiating, facilitating, efficient care and data collection according to Pre- Anesthesia Testing Guidelines.
Completes PAT interview office and phone appointments by completing designated: Pre-op Assessments, Vital Signs, Medication Reconciliation, enter Pre-op Orders and pre-op teaching appropriate to surgery.
Adapts patient care to meet changing needs in the outpatient setting.
Assessment include means such as telephone interview, or other electronic data collection methods.
Develops an individual plan of care for the outpatient setting that is based on age and health status of the patient.
Implements nursing interventions by integrating Ambulatory Care Unit (as well as Mount Nittany Medical Center) policies and procedures with process.
Ensures that information regarding supplies and equipment is communicated with the appropriate department or care provider prior to the patient’s date of surgery, so that they are available and ready for treatment or procedures as needed.
Provides information to patient and family or significant other that will enable the patient to achieve and maintain an optimal level of health throughout the surgical experience.
This process may begin before the admission of the patient and end after discharge by promoting wellness through patient education.
Promotes quality patient care and effective use of resources.
Consistently demonstrates an ability to assess a situation from a variety of perspectives, consider several alternatives, and choose an appropriate course of action.
Pursues opportunities to improve patient care and resolves identified issues or problems.
Recognizes continued need for containment of costs without jeopardizing quality of patient care.
Obtains and analyzes all pertinent information available to make the most informed decision based on factual and objective data.
Develops, in collaboration with other health care providers, pathways/guidelines/protocols for care of patients.
Uses initiative and good judgment to reach quality decisions.
Maintains confidentiality of all records and information received in the course of work activities.
Manages patient care.
Assures that patients have received assessment and reassessment of physical care, psychosocial support and education to be discharged safely.
Assures collaboration with appropriate other health care providers resulting in formulation of a nursing diagnosis and initiation/revision of a care plan consistent with the medical plan of care.
Actively participates in utilization management of patients across the continuum of care.
Manages communication.
Acts as a liaison with the medical staff to coordinate medical and nursing management of patient care.
Serves as resource for conflict resolution when patient issues are unresolved by primary care givers.
Presents changes and innovations in a positive manner.
Demonstrates oral and written communication skills related to patient teaching.
Acts as a liaison among anesthesia/ surgical and various office staff.
Participates in team approach to facilitate and develop efficient workflows including improved electronic pathways, teaching material, chart preparation, office support with surgeon, Anesthesia and other physician offices.
Collaborates in a team approach with surgeon’s office, clerical, technical, other nursing and anesthesia staff to promote a positive timely experience to meet patient needs in preparing for surgery and anesthesia.
Participates and provides oversight and assistance with clerical support staff in obtaining outside testing/studies and troubleshooting scheduling appointments and workflow.
Demonstrates the ability to prioritize work load, focusing on excellent customer service to patients, surgeons, and anesthesia staff providing a safe quality surgical experience.
Assists and facilitates the PAT Tech process to provide safe timely complete testing service.
Collaborates/Communicates with the Anesthesia team workflow such as order clarification, outside studies and medication, pre-certification process and other tasks as instructed to allow for efficient, quality patient experience.
Assists and supports the clerical Anesthesia Chart Review process for timely, efficient, and accurate completion of charts.
Assists and supports chart check process and chart readiness for next day.
Manages professional growth and development.
Demonstrates the qualities of advocate, role model, mentor and facilitator during growth and development of self, nursing staff and other health care team members.
Delegates appropriately and provides unity of command; assists Practice Manager in delegation responsibilities.
Provides leadership, direction and remediation to unit specific nursing personnel in accordance with organizational, departmental and governing agency goals, objectives and standards.
Completes PAT department statistic collection, data reporting and interpretation of data for workflow improvements.
Assists with PAT department meeting, staff evaluations, corrective action plans, and staff growth/education.
Participates in developing PAT policies, procedures, orientation and competencies as well as other assigned department documents.
Participates in PAT Scheduling, payroll, and budgeting process to allow for cost saving in staff and supplies.
Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Accepts additional assignments as assigned.
Voluntarily assists clerical / tech staff when workload fluctuates.