Surgical Preadmission Nurse

Principal Functions: Functions under the general supervision and direction of the Director of Surgical Services.

Provides assessment, patient surveillance, and arranges for timely administration of physicians orders to prepare patients for procedures scheduled for by calling patients to acquire pertinent information.

Relates effectively with other departments and staff for continuity of care.

Maintains satisfactory relations with physicians, physician office members, other departments and nursing units.

Participates in all phases of education, maintenance of records, and upgrading of policies, procedures, and skills of personnel as directed and needed.

Helps to complete chart audits and compliance as directed and assigned.

Position Duties: 1.

Initiates contact with patients within 2 weeks of a scheduled procedure.

Communicates effectively and professionally.

Interactions are to be respectful and courteous at all times, using a translator when necessary.

Completes all documentation electronically and information received from the patient is disseminated to the appropriate people or departments.

2.

Interacts appropriately with various age groups.

Accurately assesses and interprets age-specific patient data.

Accurately interprets age-specific patient responses to questions and instructions.

Provides plan of care appropriate to the patient's age group.

3.

Develops a plan for patient care based on assessment data; implements and documents preoperative care according to Facility policy.

Informs patient about routine care and procedures related to the procedural experience.

4.

Checks for labs, X-Rays, EKGs, previous procedural reports, and History & Physicals, as ordered, places in electronic medical record and supplies copies for the chart, as indicated.

5.

Notify Anesthesiologist when lab results are abnormal.

Review abnormal reports and histories with anesthesia, as indicated.

Report any recommendations by Anesthesia to Surgeons, as ordered.

6.

Prepares patient charts with necessary forms and information required prior to date of surgery.

7.

Communicate with doctors offices as needed for questions or requests for records.

8.

Upload any additional files into the electronic record from other programs required for care of the patient, as requested.

9.

Provides a courtesy call to patients to remind them of their scheduled procedure, report time, and preparation requirements the day before.

10.

Contributes to the progress and development of the approved Quality Management Program.

Supports risk management and participates in programs directed to patient and staff safety.

11.

Contributes to the quality management process; identifies role and contributions to functional teams; participates in data collection.

Objectively evaluates suggestions, grievances, and processes to identify opportunities to improve performance and quality of care.

12.

Assists with orientation, education, and training of new personnel and staff.

13.

Adheres to safety policies and p...