Pre-assessment Nurse

responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centred pre-operative

assessment and preparation for patients undergoing surgical day case procedures

and endoscopy procedures at Tyneside Surgical Services. The post holder will

work closely with consultants, anaesthetic colleagues, theatre staff,

administrative teams and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients are

appropriately assessed, optimised and prepared for surgery.

The role will contribute to the safe and

efficient patient pathway from referral through to admission, ensuring relevant

clinical information is identified, documented and escalated appropriately.

responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centred pre-operative

assessment and preparation for patients undergoing surgical day case procedures

and endoscopy procedures at Tyneside Surgical Services. The post holder will

work closely with consultants, anaesthetic colleagues, theatre staff,

administrative teams and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients are

appropriately assessed, optimised and prepared for surgery.

The role will contribute to the safe and

efficient patient pathway from referral through to admission, ensuring relevant

clinical information is identified, documented and escalated appropriately.

Undertake comprehensive

pre-operative and endoscopy nursing assessments in accordance with local

policies, procedures and agreed clinical pathways.

Review patients' medical,

surgical and medication history, including allergies, previous anaesthetic

history and relevant comorbidities.

Identify potential clinical

risks that may affect suitability for surgery or anaesthesia and escalate

concerns appropriately.

Assess patients' physical,

psychological and social needs in preparation for surgery and endoscopy

procedures

Dispense bowel preparation in

accordance with Patient Group Directions (PGDs)

Ensure appropriate

investigations, observations, screening and clinical information are available

and reviewed in accordance with the patient's procedure and pathway.

Identify patients requiring

further clinical review, optimisation, additional investigations or anaesthetic

assessment.

Liaise with consultants,

anaesthetists, GPs, specialist teams and other healthcare professionals where

required.

Provide patients with clear

information regarding their procedure, preparation, fasting, medication

management, admission and discharge arrangements, within the nurse's scope of

practice.

Support patients to understand

their individual care pathway and provide appropriate health education and

advice.

Ensure accurate,

contemporaneous and confidential documentation within the patient record.

Undertake and document

appropriate observations and clinical assessments.

Contribute to safe discharge

planning and identify any post-operative support requirements where relevant.

Maintain effective

communication with the wider multidisciplinary team to support a safe and

efficient patient journey.

Participate in clinical audits,

quality improvement, governance activities and service development.

Comply with infection

prevention and control requirements and maintain high standards of cleanliness

and aseptic practice where applicable.

Maintain knowledge of current

clinical guidance and relevant professional standards.

Work within the Nursing and

Midwifery Council Code and the individual's professional scope of practice.

Undertake any other reasonable

duties consistent with the level and responsibilities of the role.

Complete a structured nursing

pre-assessment using the organisation's approved assessment documentation.

Assess baseline observations

and identify abnormal findings requiring further review.

Review relevant medical history

and identify significant comorbidities or risk factors.

Review prescribed,

over-the-counter and relevant complementary medications and identify issues

requiring clarification.

Check allergies and adverse

drug reactions.

Review relevant previous

investigations, clinical correspondence and results available to the service.

Identify potential issues

relating to mobility, nutrition, frailty, cognition, communication or social

circumstances where relevant.

Identify infection risks and

ensure appropriate screening or escalation in accordance with local policy.

Recognise when a patient may

require additional specialist assessment or optimisation before proceeding.

Communicate clearly with the

patient and document the outcome of the assessment.

Provide a welcoming, respectful

and professional service to every patient.

Communicate complex clinical

information in a clear and understandable manner.

Ensure patients have an

opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.

Adapt communication to

individual needs, including language, hearing, cognitive or communication

difficulties.

Maintain patient dignity,

privacy and confidentiality at all times.

Support patients who may be

anxious or apprehensive about surgery.

Maintain professional

registration and comply with the NMC Code.

Maintain mandatory and

role-specific training requirements.

Work within agreed policies,

procedures, protocols and scope of practice.

Maintain accurate clinical

records and comply with information governance and confidentiality

Report incidents, near misses,

safeguarding concerns and clinical risks in accordance with organisational

procedures.

Participate in audit,

reflective practice, supervision, appraisal and continuing professional

development.

Contribute positively to the

development of a culture of safety, openness, learning and continuous

improvement.

Tyneside Surgical Services is an independent provider who treats a wide range of specialities. Established in 2007, the company has continued to grow and has its own day case facility within the Team Valley site in Gateshead. The facility comprises a surgical day case unit, endoscopy, outpatient clinic facilities, as well as on-site MRI and ultrasound scanning.

Experience

Essential: - Post-Registration nursing experience preferably including surgical, peri-operative, medical or pre assessment nursing.

Desirable: - Experience in an independent healthcare/day-case environment.; - Formal pre-operative assessment experience; - Experience providing patient education

Qualifications

Essential: - Current NMC registration as a Registered Nurse; - Qualified in Phlebotomy; - Qualified in Cannulation; - Clinical Skills Course; - ECG interpretation skills