Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) Nurse

The Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) Nurse is responsible for coordinating and completing comprehensive preoperative assessments and testing to ensure patients are appropriately prepared for surgery and procedural services. This position serves as a critical liaison among patients, surgeons, anesthesia providers, primary care providers, diagnostic services, and perioperative staff to facilitate safe, efficient and high-quality care.

The PAT Nurse verifies that all required preoperative testing, medical clearances, and documentation are completed prior to the day of surgery to promote patient safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient surgical operations. The PAT Nurse utilizes clinical judgment, strong organizational skills, and effective communication to facilitate seamless surgical preparation and reduce delays or cancellations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Preoperative Assessment and Coordination

• Conduct comprehensive pre-admission assessments via phone and/or in person according to facility policies and evidence-based guidelines.
• Review and evaluate patient medical history, medications, allergies, and risk factors and current health status related to the planned procedure.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, primary care providers, specialists, and other departments to ensure patient readiness for surgery.
• Identify patients requiring additional testing, medical optimization, or specialty clearance prior to surgery.
• Verify completion of all required preoperative documentation and informed consents.

Diagnostic Testing

• Perform and document preoperative diagnostic testing as ordered, including:
  • Venipuncture and laboratory specimen collection
  • Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
  • Additional testing within scope of practice and organizational policies
• Ensure all test results are reviewed, available in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), and communicated to appropriate providers.
• Monitor outstanding orders and follow up to ensure timely completion of required testing.

Collaboration with Anesthesia and Surgeons

• Work closely with anesthesia providers to ensure compliance with anesthesia guidelines and preoperative requirements.
• Coordinate and communicate abnormal findings, incomplete testing, or areas of concern to anesthesia providers and surgeons.
• Assist with gathering and organizing records, diagnostic results, and medical clearances for anesthesia review.
• Serve as a primary contact for surgeons' offices regarding preoperative readiness and required testing.

Documentation and Data Management

• Accurately enter patient information, assessment data, testing results, and communications into the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Review patient charts for completeness and accuracy prior to surgery.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Ensure documentation meets regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards.

Patient Education

• Provide preoperative instructions and education to patients and families regarding:
  • Procedure preparation
  • Medication management
  • Fasting requirements
  • Arrival times and expectations
  • Postoperative considerations
• Address patient questions and concerns and communicate issues to the appropriate

Quality and Safety

• Promote patient safety by identifying and addressing potential barriers to surgical readiness.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing same-day surgery delays and cancellations.
• Maintain current knowledge of perioperative and pre-admission testing best practices.

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• Demonstrates clear ownership of workplace and patient safety.
• Reports mistakes, near misses, adverse events, and quality and safety concerns.
• Protects patient confidentiality and abides by all HIPAA and privacy laws.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: RN- Graduate of an accredited Nursing program with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, LPN- Graduate of an accredited Practical Nursing Program

License/Certification: BLS Certification required

Experience: Minimum one (1) year of nursing experience. Previous experience in perioperative services, pre-admission testing, ambulatory care, medical-surgical nursing, physician office practice, or critical access hospital settings preferred.

Physical Requirements: Frequent sitting, standing, and walking. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds unassisted. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess patients and review medical records.