Pre-operative Assessment Specialist Nurse inNorthampton inNorthampton PUBLISHED 5 NOV 2024

To provide expert clinical, professional, and managerial leadership in the running of the surgical pre-operative assessment (POA) service. This includes both nursing and patient booking teams.

This service provides assessment of patients going through the elective surgical pathway to identify and mitigate clinical risk, with decision making for referral to anaesthetic consultant review as required.

Key working relationships

Internally:Anaesthetic Consultant TeamAdmissions/booking staff

Infection ControlPathologyExternallyGeneral Practitioners and Colleagues in other NHS organisations

An enthusiastic and self-motivated person is required to undertake pre-operative assessments. The role gives the opportunity to work as part of a dedicated and busy clinical team whilst developing self and others in delivering a high standard of clinical care.

The post holder will undertake pre-operative assessments of all elective inpatient and day surgery patients requiring general anaesthetic.

By successfully completing the assessment process, ordering pre-operative investigations and liaising with internal and external members of the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will have prepared the patients for admission and reduce cancellations.

About us

Supporting Clinical Excellence

The post holder must be able to perform an in-depth history from the patient and evaluate previously unknown health issues.

Have the knowledge and skills to be able to conduct heart and airway assessments, ECG recognition and spirometry interpretation.

Have excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure that information is disseminated accurately to patients. Be able to deal with complex patients where other MDT members need to be involved.

To have the relevant knowledge to provide the patient/carers relevant information and advice about their operation or procedure. Discuss associated risks and general health education. Identifying any barriers to discharge and communicating these to MDT.

Being able to provide emotional support to patients who are to undergo major/ life changing surgery and cancer diagnosis.

Be able to demonstrate clinical decision-making skills and take responsibility for decisions. Ordering correct pre-operative investigations. Liaising with specialist teams to create and organise pre-operative care management plans, including making the clinical decision to defer to medical anaesthetic team and declare a patient is fit for surgery. Acting on abnormal results in a timely and effective manner to minimise any delays in treatment.

Be confident to work autonomously and independently with exceptional time management skills. Prioritise referrals to within the trust and primary care. Be in charge of own caseload including cancellation of admissions and following up referrals and investigations for the more complex patients.

Follow admission criteria for both day surgery and inpatient admissions.

Participate in supervision and coaching of student nurses.

Participate in the education, development and supervision of other staff members. Including, medical/ODP students.

To assist in establishing and monitoring protocols/care pathways.

Being able to use IT systems for triaging pre-operative patients and completing electronic patient assessments.

Ensure relevant IT systems are updated so that important information is shared with the booking teams/theatres/surgeon/anaesthetist and medical secretaries.

To supervise junior staff in the delivery of care.

Be able to organise, make decisions, problem solve and manage conflict in managing daily operations of department.

Actively contribute to setting and maintaining high standards of nursing care

Responsible for the safe supply, storage, administration, checking and disposal of medications.

To undertake any expanded roles deemed necessary for the role following the Trust policy Expansion of Professional Practice for Registered Healthcare Practitioners.

Supporting Patient Excellence

People/Management Excellence

To participate in regular staff and division meetings.

Have open positive communication between all disciplines of staff.

Assist the team to create and maintain positive working relationships within the multi-disciplinary team.

Assist the department to monitor standards of care in liaison with the department sister.

Policy and Service Development Responsibilities

Undertake the Trust Corporate and Directorate specific Induction and competency Programmes.

To contribute to annual appraisal and be responsible for own personal performance/development plan to achieve KSF outline for role.

Able to identify learning needs in self, negotiating a Personal Development Plan recognising own limitations.

Contribute to the education and training of others, gaining an understanding of clinical supervision.

Complete all competencies relating to role within an agreed timescale.

Actively promote evidence-based practice within the clinical area and contribute to audit initiatives.

Adhere to all Trust Policies and Health & Safety, as applicable.

Supporting Financial Excellence

Have budget awareness in the ordering and use of equipment, supported by written documentation where applicable.

Professional Responsibilities

Be responsible for their own development, maintaining a professional portfolio and keeping themselves updated on current nursing issues.

Will be responsible for their own actions and be bound by the NMCs Code of Professional conduct and all approved Trust policies.

Will maintain own skills and knowledge and demonstrate clinical excellence and high standards of practice to other staff.

Be an active and approachable role model.

Research & development Responsibilities

To practice clinical competencies in line with relevant Trust initiatives e.g. ECG, Heart Sounds and Venepuncture.

To maintain awareness of evidence-based practice and participate in its Implementation.

To contribute to research and development programmes within the ward/department.

General Responsibilities

Is observed to have a smart appearance, hence adhering to the Trusts uniform policy.

Demonstrates a caring and supportive attitude towards their work colleague.

Uphold the Trusts vision and values.