Pre-Admission Teaching Registered Nurse (PRN)

About the Role

The Pre-Admission Teaching RN serves as a member of the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) team at Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies (OCR). This role performs assessments with patients prior to admission for surgery, either in-person or via phone interview. The teaching RN collects and updates the patient’s medical, pharmaceutical, surgical, and family history, and coordinates with anesthesia, Pre-Op/PACU, and clinical staff to ensure successful surgical outcomes.

This position is primarily Monday-focused, with flexibility to pick up additional shifts as needed. The selected candidate will orient a minimum of 3 days per week until transitioning off orientation.

Responsibilities

• Performs pre-admission assessments with patients (in-person or via telephone) and communicates findings to the care team.
• Ensures pre-operative care requirements are met using the nursing process: assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Provides patient teaching and education per ASC guidelines.
• Assesses pertinent patient information, plans and implements interventions, and evaluates outcomes.
• Coordinates surgical clearance with outside medical specialists when necessary.
• Maintains and promotes patient safety by assessing physical and psychological needs.
• Responds to patient inquiries and provides general health information.
• Performs outbound post-op follow-up calls as requested.
• Alerts anesthesia of lab results, physical assessments, medications, or special needs prior to surgery.
• Communicates arrival times and NPO (nothing by mouth) instructions to patients.
• Demonstrates flexibility in patient care tasks to achieve timely, cost-effective, and high-quality care.
• Participates in quality improvement activities as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited Registered Nursing (RN) program.
• Two years of peri-operative experience, preferably in orthopedics.
• One year of experience in an Ambulatory Surgery Center preferred.
• Previous pre-operative teaching experience or experience in a nursing role with significant patient education responsibilities strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, medical records software, and similar applications.
• Strong understanding of nursing theory, practice, legal aspects of nursing, and techniques in an ambulatory surgery setting.

Qualifications

• Valid Colorado Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

Physical Requirements

• Work environment is a typical medical office with distractions such as staff, patients, vendors, ringing telephones, and interruptions.
• Occasionally required to sit and use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls for up to 12 hours per day.
• Frequently required to talk, hear, stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl for up to 12 hours per day.
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds safely.
• Regularly assists patients in turning (average 170 lbs), arising from exam tables, pushing wheelchairs, and transitioning to/from wheelchairs or beds.

Skills

• Detail Oriented: Consistently checks work for accuracy; manages multiple tasks while performing essential job functions.
• Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes work activities; uses time efficiently; sets goals and objectives; organizes tasks and resources.
• Oral and Written Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively; listens and seeks clarification; writes clearly and informatively; edits for grammar and spelling.
• Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional situations; responds promptly to needs; solicits feedback to improve service.
• Dependability: Follows instructions; takes responsibility for actions; meets deadlines; commits to long hours when necessary.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to a positive team spirit; supports team goals.
• Confidentiality: Manages sensitive information with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy; adheres to HIPAA guidelines.
• Independence of Action: Work is closely monitored by supervisor; detailed instructions and procedures are provided.

Travel Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle driving history, free from restrictions.
• Appropriate vehicle insurance coverage.
• Ability to travel between all OCR locations.

Benefits

• Paid sick leave.
• Company-sponsored events.
• Annual increases based on performance.