RN, PAT

Brief Description

The Registered Nurse, Pre-Anesthesia Testing (PAT) is a vital member of the perioperative team responsible for assessing and preparing patients for anesthesia and surgery through comprehensive pre-operative evaluation, patient education, and interdisciplinary communication.

Specific Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Counsels patients on fasting, medication management, arrival times, and day-of-surgery expectations.
• 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

• Associate’s degree or equivalent from two-year college program or technical school or nursing diploma
• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing
• Current registered nurse licensure in Arkansas
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification (required within one (1) year of hire)

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Two (2) years of clinical experience in direct patient care, preferred
• Previous perioperative or pre-anesthesia testing experience, preferred
• Excellent computer and other basic office equipment skills
• Ability to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Reach with hands and arms
• Close vision and the ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• 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.