Overview The Pre-Anesthesia Testing (PAT) Registered Nurse is a clinically competent, licensed professional who demonstrates expertise in perioperative nursing care. This role is responsible for delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care to surgical patients during the pre-anesthesia phase, ensuring optimal readiness for procedures. The PAT RN utilizes the nursing process-assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation-to coordinate and provide safe, effective perioperative care. Through thorough preoperative evaluations, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the nurse identifies potential risks, supports clinical decision-making, and promotes positive surgical outcomes. This individual serves as a key clinical resource, applying advanced knowledge of perioperative standards, anesthesia requirements, and patient safety practices to ensure continuity of care throughout the surgical experience. Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive pre-operative patient assessments, collecting, interpreting, documenting, and communicating pertinent clinical data relevant to surgical care. Perform and document accurate medication reconciliation during patient phone interviews, ensuring all medications are clearly identified on the Medication Reconciliation Sheet. Utilize the nursing process-assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation-to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centered pre-operative care. Develop individualized care plans based on patient assessment data to support intraoperative and perioperative needs. Provide direct patient care addressing both physical and psychological needs in preparation for surgery. Continuously evaluate patient responses to interventions, modifying care plans to achieve optimal outcomes. Deliver thorough, accurate, and complete documentation of all pre-operative care activities in accordance with organizational standards. Demonstrate proficiency in clinical documentation and system use, including Invision, Gold, and ORSOS processes. Educate patients and their caregivers by providing clear explanations and rationales for treatments, tests, procedures, and pre-operative requirements. Deliver detailed pre-operative instructions to patients and responsible caregivers prior to discharge from the PAT area. Apply knowledge of pain management principles to assess, educate, and support patients throughout the pre-operative phase. Demonstrate strong critical thinking, prioritization, and time management skills in a fast-paced pre-operative environment. Maintain accountability for the appropriate handling, cost-effective use, and care of departmental supplies and equipment. Ensure efficient resource utilization while supporting quality patient care and operational effectiveness. Exhibit thorough understanding of pre-operative nursing concepts, demonstrating both the "why" and "how" of clinical practices. Qualifications Must possess current hospital experience (within the past 5 years) Prefer minimum of 1 year recent perioperative experience. Must complete Point of Care Testing training as part of Department Orientation. Must be knowledgeable regarding the nursing process and its application--assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Credentials RN - Registered Nurse BLS - Basic Life Saving certification Education Graduate of an accredited nursing program Entry USD $36.20/Hr. Max USD $59.73/Hr.