Staff Nurse Pre-Assessment - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Clinical Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive pre-operative assessments for all elective patients scheduled for surgery, catheterisation procedures, theatre cases, paediatric procedures, and endoscopy. Perform detailed clinical assessments including medical history, medication review, allergies, and risk factors. Identify potential clinical risks and escalate concerns appropriately to medical staff, anaesthetists, or specialist services. Perform and interpret baseline investigations including: - Phlebotomy and blood sampling - ECG recording - Vital signs monitoring - Relevant pre-operative screening tests Assess patient suitability for planned procedures and ensure readiness for surgery/procedure. Provide patient education regarding surgical preparation, fasting instructions, medications, and postoperative expectations. Ensure appropriate referrals to specialist teams when required (e.g., anaesthetics, cardiology, respiratory, diabetes). Support paediatric patient assessments ensuring age-appropriate care and communication. Ensure accurate documentation of all assessments and clinical findings in the patient record. Participate in multidisciplinary collaboration to facilitate safe patient care pathways. Promote a patient-centred approach to care ensuring dignity, respect, and compassionate communication at all times. Administrative Duties: Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic and paper medical records. Coordinate and schedule pre-assessment appointments and follow-up investigations where required. Ensure results of diagnostic tests are reviewed and communicated appropriately. Liaise with surgical teams, anaesthetic teams, theatres, cath lab, and endoscopy units to ensure patients are fully prepared prior to admission. Participate in service planning and workflow optimisation within the pre-assessment clinic. Maintain compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and data protection regulations. Assist in maintaining efficient patient flow and minimising surgery cancellations due to incomplete assessments. Education and Professional Development Maintain active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). Participate in continuous professional development relevant to perioperative and pre-assessment nursing. Attend mandatory training and competency updates as required by the organisation. Participate in educational activities, workshops, and professional conferences. Support the education and mentorship of junior nursing staff and students where applicable. Remain up to date with current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice in perioperative care. Accreditation, Quality and Safety ( Lean Principles) Promote a culture of patient safety and quality improvement within the pre-assessment service. Participate in quality improvement initiatives aligned with Lean healthcare principles. Contribute to clinical audits, service evaluations, and accreditation standards. Adhere to infection prevention and control policies. Identify risks and report incidents according to hospital governance procedures. Participate in the development and review of clinical policies and protocols. Support initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, reducing delays, and enhancing patient experience. Information Governance In the course of your employment you may have access to,or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and / or staff. Such records and information are strictly confidential, unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning staff or patients be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. In addition, records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required