JOB SUMMARY

To act as patient advocate, providing continuity of care designed to meet individual patient needs through collaboration with other members of the health care team at the Hospital. Supports the philosophy, objectives and goals of the Hospital. The PreAdmit Testing nurse will ensure quality care to the individual patients pre-operatively including, but not limited to geriatric, adult, pediatric and adolescent patients.

Reports to: Pre-Admission Testing Nurse Manager

Classification: Non- Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Louisiana.

Current BLS certification

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE

Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards and may encounter radiation hazards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties of Pre-Admission Testing RN include:

1 Readies the area to receive patients.

2 Prepares documents as necessary to start day.

3 Communicates all pertinent information to Pre-Op department.

4 Completes patient profile in EMR to assure continuity of care.

Assesses physical and emotional needs of patients and implements appropriate

nursing interventions. Include confirmation of the following information:

1 Allergies

2 Medications taken at home

3 Dentures, contacts or glasses

4 Pertinent medical conditions and smoking status

5 Pertinent past medical history, surgeries

6 Confirmation of procedure as scheduled and surgeon

7 Confirms any special equipment needed.

8 Confirmation of responsible party

Assesses or performs the following:

1 Performs pre-admission testing

2 Processing EKG’s

3 Charges for test performed

Respects patients’ right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality during interview process.

Follows appropriate PreAdmit Testing/Admitting policies and procedures.

Performs pre-operative instruction and explanation according to facility policy and procedure.

Provides preoperative instruction.

Describes the perioperative experience to the patient and the participation of the significant other, including what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

Reviews health history and procedure to be performed. Provides all required preoperative instructions applicable to the procedure being performed.

Completes the nursing pre-assessment record.

Reviews or takes physician verbal preoperative orders. Monitors that orders or preoperative testing requests from either the admitting physician or the anesthesiologist have been received.

Carries out all pre-operative orders for testing; lab, EKG.

Notifies physician/anesthesiologist of any abnormal values and follows up to assure appropriate pre-op preparation.

Is knowledgeable about and responsive to emergency situations, i.e. cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, drug reaction, fire, disaster etc.

Reports and completes appropriate forms for incidents related to patients, visitors, and employees.

Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff development programs,including mandatory ones.

Participates in CQI process and activities.

Assists with all other duties as the need arises or as assigned.

Communicates professionally to anesthesia providers to assure qualify outcomes.

Sets priorities to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of patients throughout the day.

Comply with facility Standards of Behavior and complete all required education assignments within the designated timeline.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, converse, and listen; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must be able to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis and be able to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.

The employee must be able to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.