RN - Emergency Department

Position Summary

The Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) Registered Nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive preoperative nursing care through assessment, education, coordination, and evaluation of patients scheduled for surgical procedures. The RN utilizes the nursing process to ensure patients are appropriately prepared for surgery, promotes patient safety, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to optimize surgical outcomes.

Essential Responsibilities

Assessment

• Perform comprehensive, systematic, and accurate patient assessments.
• Demonstrate knowledge of normal growth and development across the lifespan, from pediatric through geriatric populations.
• Assess patient readiness for surgery and identify potential risk factors.
• Evaluate patient understanding of procedures and preoperative instructions.

Clinical Care

• Deliver competent and appropriate nursing care according to established standards and protocols.
• Support patient care delivery through direct nursing interventions and collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of emergency equipment and emergency response procedures.
• Individualize care based on patient condition, surgical procedure, and anesthesia requirements.

Documentation

• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Document nursing assessments, interventions, patient progress, outcomes, and education activities.
• Ensure all patient records accurately reflect the nursing process and patient care provided.

Professional Practice

• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and ethical nursing practice.
• Adhere to hospital policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and identify opportunities for clinical growth.

Patient Satisfaction & Communication

• Provide compassionate, patient-centered care to patients and families.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Promote a collaborative environment focused on achieving optimal patient outcomes.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Safety

• Adhere to National Patient Safety Goals and Universal Protocol standards.
• Consistently utilize two patient identifiers to verify patient identity.
• Practice safe patient handling, transfer techniques, and proper body mechanics.
• Promote a culture of safety for patients, visitors, and staff.

Perioperative Nursing Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of surgical diagnoses, procedures, equipment, and perioperative care processes.
• Perform comprehensive preoperative and postoperative assessments.
• Assess patient understanding of surgical procedures and postoperative expectations.
• Provide individualized education to patients and family members regarding surgery and recovery.
• Coordinate care across the perioperative continuum.

Responsibility & Accountability

• Prioritize patient care needs and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition.
• Collaborate with the perioperative team to ensure safe and efficient patient care delivery.
• Assume responsibility and accountability for assigned patient care activities.

Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) Duties

• Coordinate and facilitate completion of required preoperative testing.
• Review Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) orders for accuracy and completeness.
• Evaluate testing requirements based on the planned surgical procedure, patient age, medical history, and current health status.
• Identify omissions or discrepancies in preoperative testing and communicate findings appropriately.
• Ensure patients meet surgical clearance requirements before scheduled procedures.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing Required
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Preferred

Licensure

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) License Required

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Required
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Required
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Required for Pediatric Emergency Department positions only

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of Critical Care, Cardiac, Emergency Department, Perioperative, or Acute Care nursing experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must meet all physical requirements as defined by Occupational Safety and Organizational Medical Services (OMS).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong patient assessment and clinical judgment skills.
• Knowledge of perioperative nursing principles and surgical procedures.
• Excellent communication and patient education skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and healthcare information systems.
• Commitment to patient safety, quality care, and regulatory compliance.