Clinical Nurse C-Pats

Job Summary: The Clinical Nurse C-Pre Admission Testing (PATS), demonstrates advanced competency in pre-anesthesia consultation and education and prescreens patients prior to surgical and diagnostic procedures requiring general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care.

Facilitates coordination of care and communication among the healthcare team to achieve optimal surgical outcome. Communication and interview with patient may be performed telephonically or in-person based on type of surgery, previous medical and surgical history, and comorbidities. Works closely with the surgeon offices to retrieve (or schedule if not available) pre-operative tests (EKGs, Labs, Chest X-ray) results, history and physical, current medications, allergies, and other pertinent information related to diagnosis, type of surgery and comorbidities.

Analyzes information and identifies potential issues that could possibly result in a negative surgical outcome, delay or cancellation of surgery. Reviews case with the anesthesiologist and/or requests in-person anesthesia consult as necessary based on medical information and patient's risk level for a safe surgery.

Provides education about surgery and recovery process to the patient, family or caregiver prior to surgery as appropriate.

Ensures patient understands pre-operative and post-operative orders and appropriate transportation arrangements have been made. Makes arrangements for continuum of care, e.g., postsurgical equipment and supplies, follow-up appointments. Utilizes skilled discretion and independent judgment to prioritize, coordinate, provide and document direct and indirect age-specific and developmentally appropriate quality patient-centered care to outpatient and inpatient surgical candidates prior to surgery.

Performs the nursing process (assessment, care planning, intervention, evaluation) independently and in accordance with LLUMC-Murrieta's established Professional Practice Model (Duffy's Quality Caring Theory) to achieve proficient individualized physical, psychosocial and spiritual wellness and provide compassionate bereavement support as appropriate. Applies theoretical concepts to clinical practice and exhibits self-motivation to continually expand knowledge base and clinical skills with a focus in pre-anesthesia consultation and education and perianesthesia nursing. Functions in a skills mix environment and effectively supervises and delegates tasks to a team of licensed and unlicensed staff in accordance with level of competency.

Skillfully resolves disagreements and conflicts among team members as needed. Inspires and adopts the transformation of evidence into point-of-care practice to optimize patient outcomes. Functions within the expectations of an accomplished professional nurse and represents nursing as an empowered profession and embraces new knowledge, innovations and improvements.

Provides a positive influence to facilitate change and optimize patient satisfaction and outcomes. Engages in opportunities to directly and indirectly influence decision-making for point-of-care clinical practice by supporting and participating in committees, task forces and staff meetings. Exhibits interpersonal skills that portray professionalism and maximize excellence in customer service and safe patient care.

Contributes to a work environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse workforce and patient population. May be required to float to other departments based on business needs. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience: Associate of Science Degree in nursing required.

If hired after January 1, 2021, enrollment in a Bachelor of Science Degree nursing program within six months of hire with expected completion date two and a half years after enrollment required. Minimum of two years experience required. CN-Cs are eligible to be promoted into the CN-D classification when criteria outlined in the Clinical Nurse Ladder handbook and job specifications outlined in CN-D job description are met.

Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrates advanced competencies and knowledge in pre-anesthesia consultation and education, procedural and perianesthesia nursing.

Applies theoretical concepts to clinical practice and continually expands knowledge base and clinical skills with a focus in the specialty practice of procedural and perianesthesia nursing. Basic knowledge of healthcare regulations and accreditation required. Exhibits professional behavior at all times and works calmly and responds courteously when under pressure. Able to: speak, read and write legibly in English (and Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer, printer and software programs necessary to the position, e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, electronic medical record, electronic event reporting program; troubleshoot and calibrate patient care equipment; perform technical patient care activities; relate and communicate positively, effectively and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following and/or enforcing policies; lead, supervise, teach and collaborate; accept direction; think critically; work independently with minimal supervision; perform basic math functions; manage multiple assignments effectively; organize and prioritize workload; problem solve; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail; distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; discern temperature variances through touch; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records and written documents necessary to position.

Licensures and Certifications: Active California Registered Nurse (RN) license required. Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification issued by the American Heart Association required.