we are seeking a dedicated and compassionate pre -assessment nurse to join our team. As a pre -assessment nurse you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of patients scheduled for surgical procedures by assessing their fitness for surgery. your expertise will help to reduce waiting list and help with followup on patient waiting results .

The post holder will work as part of a team to provide a safe, effective, efficient careenvironment for patients, relatives and carers in the Pre-Assessment Clinic. The post holderwill undertake pre-operative assessments for all elective patients with the use of aquestionnaire. The post holder will work autonomously within their scope of practice, followingthe NICE, national and local trust guidelines. The post holder will manage a caseload andprioritise to facilitate an efficient service. The post holder will work flexibly with the team in thepre assessment and perioperative admissions department. The post holder will supervise junior staff.

Main duties of the job

Patient Assessment: Conduct comprehensive pre-operative assessments to evaluate patients' physical and psychological readiness for surgery. Assess medical history, perform physical examinations, and review diagnostic tests to identify potential risks and concerns.

Patient Education: Provide clear and empathetic explanations to patients regarding the surgical process, expectations, and any necessary preparations. Ensure patients are well-informed and comfortable with the surgical journey.

Risk Assessment: Identify and document any potential surgical risks or contraindications, collaborating closely with the surgical team, anesthetists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety.

Pre-Operative Testing: Order and interpret necessary pre-operative tests, such as blood work, ECGs, and imaging, to provide a comprehensive overview of the patient's health status. Ensure medical team are informed finding.

Medication Management: Review and manage medications, including potential adjustments, discontinuations, or prescriptions, to optimize patient safety during surgery.

Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, ensuring all assessments and recommendations are thoroughly documented and accessible to the surgical team.

Collaboration: Work collaboratively with surgeons, anesthetists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless communication and patient care coordination.

About us

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development

Widening access (anchor institution) and employability

Improving the experience of staff with disability

Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development

Making equalities mainstream

Job description

Job responsibilities

To ensure referrals are made to appropriate professional for further assessment or treatment where indicated, to optimize patients for their procedure.

Undertake nursing assessment of the patient to ensure optimal fitness for surgery, some under supervision if required.

Ensuring patients are fully informed of the planned treatment, including post operative care and instructions.

Provide answers to all patients queries and questions or escalate.

Highlighting discharge issues and acting on them to facilitate a safe, effective and prompt discharge following surgery.

Report any incident and risk identified to departmental manager and via the Datix reporting system.

Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be comfortable to liaise at all levels in person or by telephone.

Complete all documentation in line with Trust policy and the data protection and confidentiality Be able to work with IT systems.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• 1st level registration NMC

Desirable

• Degree level

Experience

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
• Able to formulate and verbalise views
• Able to anticipate and forward plan

Knowledge

Essential

• Ability to work under pressure and remain calm
• Able to recognise stress in self and others and support colleagues through stressful situations.
• Patient focused
• Reflective

Desirable

• Computer literate

Personal Qualities

Essential

• To demonstrate knowledge of being up to date within the speciality
• Flexible, able to work all shifts including rotation to night duty.
• Adaptable to changes in shift pattern
• To provide unit cover in the absence of the unit manager

Employer details

Employer name

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Address

Lewisham Hospital

Lewisham High Street

Lewisham

SE13 6LH

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

197-LC4602