RN, PAT

Description

The Registered Nurse, Pre-Anesthesia Testing (PAT) is a vital member of the perioperative team who is responsible for assessing and preparing patients for anesthesia and surgery through comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, patient education, and interdisciplinary communication. This role ensures that each patient is medically optimized and informed prior to surgery, contributing to the overall safety, quality, and efficiency of surgical care.

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Conducts comprehensive pre-anesthesia assessments, including medical history, surgical history, medications, allergies, and relevant social factors.
• Reviews diagnostic studies and identifies abnormalities requiring anesthesia or provider follow-up.
• Communicates clinical findings, concerns, and readiness updates to anesthesia providers, surgeons, and other care team members.
• Ensures all required tests, consults, and medical clearances are completed and available before the scheduled procedure.
• Provides clear pre-operative instructions on fasting, medication management, arrival times, and day-of-surgery expectations.
• Addresses patient questions and concerns related to anesthesia or surgery, offering appropriate guidance and support.
• Coordinates information flow between clinic staff, schedulers, and perioperative teams to support timely case preparation.
• Documents assessments, education, communications, and interventions accurately and promptly in the EHR.
• Maintains complete and compliant medical records following organizational and regulatory standards.
• Utilizes the electronic health record effectively, ensuring the confidentiality and accuracy of patient information.
• Collaborates in interdisciplinary discussions, case reviews, and quality improvement initiatives related to pre-operative readiness.
• Identifies potential risk factors affecting anesthesia or surgical safety and initiates follow-up per protocol.
• Verifies that patient information, test results, and required documentation are updated, accurate, and accessible before the day of surgery.
• Demonstrates sound clinical judgment and problem-solving in evaluating surgical readiness.
• Maintains required licensure, competencies, and continuing education related to perioperative and anesthesia practices

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY : N / A

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE, REGISTRATION :

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE :

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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

The work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position involves potential exposure to infectious diseases. Colleagues are offered appropriate vaccinations and safety training.

SAFETY SENSITIVE :

This position is a Safety Sensitive Position. The essential functions, physical demands, and mental competencies of this job require the employee maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.