PAT Nurse

Apply online. Submit resume here.

Definition and Purpose:  The PAT  Nurse is a professional nurse responsible to make sure that our patient population is ready to undergo procedures at Same Day.

Qualifications:

1. Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
2. Must have a current license to practice in Massachusetts.
3. Two year experience as a staff nurse, preferably PACU or OR.
4. Be flexible with the hours:  Work to accommodate patient and physician’s needs (e.g., afternoon block time, rescheduling of patients due to surgery schedule, same-day add-ons).
5. Possess an exceptional capacity for compassion and patience in dealing with a very difficult, demanding patient population.
6. Skilled in Phlebotomy.

Role:   The PAT Nurse will interview patients, medications, all necessary paperwork and diagnostic information is complete, including possible lab work, EKG, and chest x-ray. In addition, PAT nurse makes sure to interview all patients who are going to have general or MIA forms of anesthesia.  The nurse is authorized to assess all ASA Class 1 and 2 patients except:

• Pediatric patients less than 12 years of age
• All ASA III patients
• Patients who will receive a shoulder block, spinal or epidural anesthesia.

At the time of the visit, the nurse will complete an RN Anesthesia Assessment Form, make

a decision and order pre-op testing using standard facility criteria, present the standard Department of Anesthesia Information Sheet for the type of anesthesia requested by the surgeon. The nurse ensures that the patient agrees to the type of anesthesia which has been requested by the surgeon, give the patient a Pre-Op Instruction Sheet, and answer all the patient’s questions.  If the patient requests contact with an anesthesiologist prior to the day of surgery, or the nurse has any concerns about the status of the patient, this will be arranged.

Process to be followed PAT RN:

1. Pick up chart at receptionist desk.
2. Check for completed consent form, H&P, surgeon’s orders.
3. Greet patient and proceed to pre-op interview room.  If child, parent to accompany child.
4. Complete RN Anesthesia Assessment form – consult anesthesiologist with any questions or concerns re:  health history of patient.
5. Order pre-op tests.
6. Weigh patient.
7. Vital signs; BP, P, R O2 Sat & Chart.
8. Complete Nurse Pre-Op Assessment form.
9. Inquire as to any known allergies or sensitivities and label chart.
10. Complete lab requisition for tests.
11. Draw blood specimen for testing, label with patient sticker and place in refrigerator for pick-up by lab at end of shift.
12. Instruct patient using pre-op instruction sheet as guide.
13. Answer or secure answers to any questions patient might have.  Obtain patient’s signature on pre-op instruction sheet.
14. Inform patient that he/she will be called the afternoon before surgery with pre-op reminders and arrival time for surgery. 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements of Job:

1. Physically demanding job, requiring standing, and walking for extended periods of time.
2. Lifting and carrying items weighting up to 50lbs.
3. Exposure to blood, body fluids, communicable disease, chemicals and repetitive motion.
4. Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients.
5. Working irregular hours.