Registered Nurse- Pre Admission Services

Good Shepherd Health Care•Hermiston, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pre-Admission Services (PAS) Registered Nurse specializes in comprehensive pre-operative patient assessment and risk evaluation to ensure optimal surgical outcomes and patient safety. This role focuses primarily on the pre-operative phase of the patient's surgical experience, conducting thorough screenings to identify potential anesthesia and surgical risks through telephone consultations and in-person visits. The RN works collaboratively with PAS advanced practice provider, anesthesia team, surgeons, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient preparation and ensure appropriate medical clearance prior to procedures. RN ensures provision of quality, evidence-based care through utilization of the nursing process, established clinical protocols, and evidence-based risk assessment tools. The Pre-Admission Services RN acts as a patient advocate, ensuring surgical patients are appropriately evaluated, medically optimized when indicated, and thoroughly educated about pre-operative preparation and expectations for their surgical experience. This position requires advanced clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently while maintaining close collaboration with the perioperative care team.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing.
Current, unrestricted Oregon and Washington Registered Nurse licenses.
Current BLS, ACLS certification.
Previous nursing experience.
The ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
Knowledge of computers, phones, and other office equipment.
Knowledge in clinical equipment including but not limited to: EKG, vital sign monitoring devices, glucometer, scales, etc.
Strong assessment and critical thinking skills
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
Proficiency in patient education and health promotion that is appropriate for the patient's age-specific, cultural, physical, and psychosocial well-being
Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks effectively

Nice To Haves

Evidence of continuing education that is appropriate for skill level and area of practice.
BSN.
PALS certification.
Specialty certification relevant to assigned clinical areas (e.g., CPAN, CAPA, CNOR).
Bilingual and/or English Spanish speaking.
Minium 2 years of clinical nursing experience.
Previous surgical experience.
Experience with Epic electronic health record system.
Knowledge of evidence-based practice and quality improvement methodologies

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive pre-operative assessments via telephone and in-person consultations to evaluate patient readiness for surgery and anesthesia
Perform systematic review of patient medical history, current medications, allergies, and previous surgical/anesthetic experiences
Assess and identify potential anesthesia and surgical risks using evidence-based screening tools and established clinical protocols
Evaluate patient's physical, psychological, and social readiness for planned procedures
Monitor vital signs and perform focused physical assessments as indicated during in-person pre-admission visits
Recognize high-risk patients requiring additional medical clearance, optimization, or specialty consultation
Coordinate pre-operative testing, consultations, and medical clearances based on patient risk factors and procedure requirements
Make independent clinical judgments regarding patient readiness for surgery based on established protocols
Document comprehensive pre-operative assessments and risk evaluations accurately and completely in Epic
Monitor and triage Epic InBasket messages related to pre-admission services in accordance with clinic protocols
Provide telephone triage for pre-operative patient calls regarding clinical questions and procedure preparation
Manage referrals and coordinate pre-operative consultations between specialties and primary care providers
Communicate assessment findings and recommendations clearly to anesthesia providers (anesthesiologists and CRNAs), surgeons, and healthcare team members
Process and coordinate pre-operative orders, laboratory results, and diagnostic testing
Respond to patient portal messages and telephone calls regarding pre-operative preparation within established timeframes
Provide comprehensive pre-operative education tailored to individual patient needs, literacy levels, and cultural backgrounds
Explain surgical procedures, anesthesia options, and post-operative expectations in terms patients can understand
Deliver written and verbal instructions for pre-operative preparation including dietary restrictions, medication management, and arrival procedures
Address patient and family concerns, questions, and anxieties regarding upcoming procedures
Counsel patients on pre-operative medication adjustments, NPO guidelines, and preparation requirements specific to their procedure
Support patients in understanding informed consent processes and documentation requirements
Facilitate patient understanding of post-operative care expectations and discharge planning
Collaborate effectively with Pre-Admission Services Nurse Practitioner and anesthesia team to optimize patient care plans
Work closely with certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, as well as day surgery and operating room nursing staff to ensure coordinated perioperative care
Participate in multidisciplinary care planning meetings and case discussions regarding high-risk patients
Communicate effectively with clinic staff, scheduling departments, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless care coordination
Function as an integral member of the perioperative care team
Consult with and support clinic staff in scheduling optimization and care coordination activities
Maintain effective working relationships across multiple departments and service lines
Adhere to all clinic policies, procedures, and safety protocols specific to pre-admission services
Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements including OSHA, HIPAA, and DNV standards
Apply evidence-based practice guidelines and institutional policies to ensure consistent, high-quality pre-operative care
Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to pre-admission services and patient outcomes
Identify opportunities for process improvement in pre-admission workflows and patient care delivery
Monitor and evaluate patient satisfaction and outcomes related to pre-admission services
Recognize and report potential safety concerns, near misses, or adverse events
Ensure proper infection control practices during patient interactions and equipment use
Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).
Performs other related duties as assigned.