What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Nurse - PAT position at CORYELL COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY?
The Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) Registered Nurse is responsible for preparing patients for surgical and procedural interventions through comprehensive pre-operative assessments, patient education, care coordination, and clinical documentation. The PAT RN works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, primary care physicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients are medically optimized and all pre-operative requirements are completed before the day of surgery. This role helps improve patient safety, reduce surgery cancellations, and promote positive surgical outcomes.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive pre-admission assessments, including medical, surgical, medication, and allergy histories.
- Review patient records to verify completion of required laboratory studies, diagnostic testing, EKGs, imaging, and medical clearances.
- Identify potential surgical or anesthesia risks and communicate abnormal findings to the surgeon, anesthesia provider, or appropriate healthcare team.
- Coordinate pre-operative testing and obtain missing documentation from physician offices or outside facilities.
- Provide individualized pre-operative education, including fasting (NPO) instructions, medication management, arrival times, postoperative expectations, and discharge planning.
- Answer patient and family questions while promoting understanding and reducing anxiety regarding the surgical process.
- Document all patient assessments, communications, education, and interventions accurately within the electronic medical record (EMR).
- Ensure all informed consents, physician orders, and required documentation are completed prior to the scheduled procedure.
- Collaborate with scheduling, perioperative services, laboratory, radiology, physician offices, and anesthesia staff to facilitate timely patient readiness.
- Follow established clinical protocols, infection prevention standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives designed to reduce day-of-surgery delays and cancellations.
- Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Texas.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred, depending on facility requirements.
- Minimum of one to two years of clinical RN experience preferred.
- Experience in Pre-Op, PACU, Operating Room, Same-Day Surgery, Medical-Surgical, Emergency Department, ICU, or ambulatory surgery preferred.
- Experience using electronic medical records (EMR) systems preferred.
Build Your Future in Healthcare with Coryell Health! Be part of something meaningful. At Coryell Health, you’ll join a supportive, close-knit team dedicated to improving the lives of people in your community. Every day is an opportunity to bring care, comfort, and positive change to friends, families, and neighbors. Since 1940, Coryell Health has proudly served as a community-owned healthcare provider, delivering high-quality, comprehensive services all in one place. Our commitment to excellence is matched by our investment in our team. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement to support your growth.
If you’re ready to begin a rewarding healthcare career and make a lasting difference, we invite you to apply and become part of the Coryell Health team.