ASC Pre-Admission Testing Registered Nurse - Part-Time

At ELM, the ASC Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) Registered Nurse is responsible for the comprehensive pre-operative assessment, patient education, risk factor review, and clearance coordination of patients scheduled for procedures at Legacy Center for Spinal Surgery. This is accomplished through the collection and verification of patient information, medical records, medication history, provider orders, clearance requests, and diagnostic imaging or testing. Additionally, the PAT nurse communicates with the patient, provider, scheduling team, ASC staff, and other interdisciplinary members to ensure every patient is medically optimized, appropriately worked up, and safe for an ambulatory surgery setting.

This role reports to the ASC Director.

• Conduct thorough telephonic pre-admission testing interviews, including comprehensive review of medical history, surgical history, medication reconciliation, allergies, and social history 7-10 days prior to the patient’s scheduled procedure.
• Perform and document pre-operative risk assessments (cardiac, pulmonary, airway, bleeding risk, diabetes management, obstructive sleep apnea screening) in accordance with ASC and anesthesia provider protocols.
• Apply the facility's BMI-based patient selection criteria and escalates cases outside established thresholds to the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and/or Medical Director for review.
• Initiate, track, and review required pre-operative labs, EKGs, imaging, clearances (cardiology, PCP, pulmonology, etc.), and diagnostic testing per surgeon- and procedure-specific protocols; follow up on outstanding results prior to the scheduled date of service.
• Identify and communicate anesthesia risk factors and medical comorbidities to the anesthesia team in advance of the surgery date; participate in case review huddles for complex neurosurgical patients as needed.
• Reconcile anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and other high-risk medications against surgeon and anesthesia hold parameters; provide patients with clear, written medication instructions.
• Educate patients and caregivers on pre-operative preparation (NPO status, bathing protocols, medication management) and anticipated post-operative course, including activity restrictions, wound/incision care, and pain management specific to the patient’s procedure.
• Screen for appropriate post-operative support, transportation, and discharge planning needs, including identifying candidates who may require a higher level of care than the ASC setting can support.
• Document all pre-admission testing findings, communications, and clearances accurately and in a timely manner within the electronic health record.
• Serve as a liaison between the surgeon's office, referring providers, anesthesia, and the ASC clinical team to resolve outstanding clearance issues prior to the day of surgery.
• Participate in case cancellation prevention by proactively identifying and resolving clinical and logistical barriers to surgery.
• Support compliance with CMS Conditions for Coverage, AAAHC/Joint Commission accreditation standards, and internal ASC policies related to patient selection and pre-operative clearance.
• Ensures patient procedures are accurately scheduled and coordinates with the Surgery Scheduling team, ASC Administrator, and Clinical Director to resolve and concerns relating to procedure scheduling.
• Assist patients and caregivers with pre-operative and post-operative questions, elevating concerns and needs to providers when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Excellent clinical assessment, critical thinking, and triage skills, with the ability to identify patients who are not appropriate candidates for an ambulatory surgical setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain clinical information clearly to patients, families, and referring providers.
• High level of organization and follow-through in a fast-paced, deadline-driven scheduling environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and administrative staff to resolve pre-operative clearance issues efficiently.
• Comfort with telephonic patient interviews and…