Preoperative Planning Nurse

Preoperative Planning Nurse

The Preoperative Planning Nurse works with patient providers to assess and coordinate data submitted by practitioner’s offices in preparation for patient surgical procedures. Primarily over the phone and e-mail, they collaborate with physicians and other health care workers to assure completion of the patient plan for surgery. They facilitate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors at all times, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care and high satisfaction for patients, families, and practitioners.

• Supports the organization’s philosophy, goals and policies in delivering outstanding patient care.
• Participates as a team member in support of the total perioperative process.
• Considers patient rights in performance of all job duties and responsibilities.
• Develops working relationships with practitioner’s offices, coordinating the process of obtaining missing information such as history & physicals and orders.
• Communicates effectively and professionally, using a translator when necessary.
• Documents information received and disseminates it to the appropriate people or departments.
• Attends and actively participates in meetings, committees and in‑services per job responsibilities and facility requirements.
• Assists with orientation and training of new personnel and serves as a resource for patient care problems.
• Identifies high‑risk patients and alerts the anesthesiologist or other clinicians of potential risks identified during the investigation of special health needs.
• Provides and coordinates nursing care to patients utilizing the nursing process.
• Utilizes critical thinking in making independent judgments and consults with the control supervisor when appropriate.
• Assists in completion of pre‑admission assessment calls as time allows.
• Interacts appropriately with various age groups, accurately assessing age‑specific patient data and responses.
• Alerts the clinical manager, practitioner, and scheduler of any discrepancies found during the pre‑admission assessment.
• Assesses the physical and emotional status of the patient upon admission, develops a plan for patient care based on assessment data, and implements and documents preoperative care according to protocol.
• Informs patient about routine care and procedures related to the perioperative experience.
• Provides comfort and reassurance to the patient, supporting the patient’s right to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
• Reviews documentation received from the practitioner’s office for potential discrepancies and addresses those discrepancies before the patient’s scheduled day of surgery.
• Adheres to organizational policy with particular attention to standards of conduct and confidentiality as it relates to HIPAA.

Must hold a current IQH state nursing license and demonstrate basic ACLS certification (BLS required). Unrestricted IA RN license, BLS, and ACLS required; PALS preferred. Experience in a similar related industry or ambulatory surgical center (ASC) is preferred but not required. Experience in orthopedics is preferred. Must be able to set priorities and work with minimal supervision. Flexibility in schedule to meet patient needs is required.

Excellent organization and communication skills, ability to handle stress calmly, and flexibility in fast‑paced schedules are essential.

Candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a full physical, drug screen, criminal background check, federal background checks, education verification, reference checks, and an initial TB test. Employees are required to be fully vaccinated until a reasonable accommodation is attained.

• Generous paid time off
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits options including affordable employee health, vision, and dental insurance
• 401(k) / pension plan with employer contribution
• No call, overnight or weekend shifts for OOSC nurses