Pre-Assessment Nurse

Tyneside Surgical Services Ltd.; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyneside Surgical Services Ltd. is seeking a motivated Pre-Assessment Nurse to deliver patient-centred pre-operative assessment and preparation for surgical day case procedures at our Gateshead-based facility. You will collaborate with consultants, anaesthetic colleagues, theatre staff and admin teams to optimise patients for surgery.

The role emphasizes accurate documentation, clear patient communication, and adherence to professional standards within the organisational pathways.

Qualifications

• Post-Registration nursing experience preferably including surgical, peri-operative, medical or pre assessment nursing.
• Current UK NMC registration as a Registered Nurse.
• Qualified in Phlebotomy.
• Qualified in Cannulation.
• ECG interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive pre-operative and endoscopy nursing assessments in accordance with local policies, procedures and agreed clinical pathways.
• Review patients' medical, surgical and medication history, including allergies, previous anaesthetic history and relevant comorbidities.
• Identify potential clinical risks that may affect suitability for surgery or anaesthesia and escalated concerns appropriately.
• Provide patients with clear information regarding their procedure, preparation, fasting, medication management, admission and discharge arrangements.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and comply with information governance and confidentiality requirements.

Skills

Pre-operative assessment

Nursing

Endoscopy

Patient education

Job description

Job summary

About Tyneside Surgical Services

Tyneside Surgical Services is an independent provider who treats a wide range of specialities. Established in 2007, the company has continued to grow and has its own day case facility within the Team Valley site in Gateshead. The facility comprises a surgical day case unit, endoscopy, outpatient clinic facilities, as well as on-site MRI and ultrasound scanning.

We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic individual with excellent communication skills to assist in continuing to develop our facility. This is an exciting new role and will suit an enthusiastic, flexible and motivated individual.

Main duties of the job

The Pre-Assessment Nurse will be responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centred pre-operative assessment and preparation for patients undergoing surgical day case procedures and endoscopy procedures at Tyneside Surgical Services. The post holder will work closely with consultants, anaesthetic colleagues, theatre staff, administrative teams and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients are appropriately assessed, optimised and prepared for surgery.

The role will contribute to the safe and efficient patient pathway from referral through to admission, ensuring relevant clinical information is identified, documented and escalated appropriately.

About us

Tyneside Surgical Services is an independent provider who treats a wide range of specialities. Established in 2007, the company has continued to grow and has its own day case facility within the Team Valley site in Gateshead. The facility comprises a surgical day case unit, endoscopy, outpatient clinic facilities, as well as on-site MRI and ultrasound scanning.

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose

The Pre-Assessment Nurse will be responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centred pre-operative assessment and preparation for patients undergoing surgical day case procedures and endoscopy procedures at Tyneside Surgical Services. The post holder will work closely with consultants, anaesthetic colleagues, theatre staff, administrative teams and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients are appropriately assessed, optimised and prepared for surgery.

The role will contribute to the safe and efficient patient pathway from referral through to admission, ensuring relevant clinical information is identified, documented and escalated appropriately.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake comprehensive pre-operative and endoscopy nursing assessments in accordance with local policies, procedures and agreed clinical pathways.
• Review patients' medical, surgical and medication history, including allergies, previous anaesthetic history and relevant comorbidities.
• Identify potential clinical risks that may affect suitability for surgery or anaesthesia and escalated concerns appropriately.
• Assess patients' physical, psychological and social needs in preparation for surgery and endoscopy procedures
• Dispense bowel preparation in accordance with Patient Group Directions (PGDs)
• Ensure appropriate investigations, observations, screening and clinical information are available and reviewed in accordance with the patient's procedure and pathway.
• Identify patients requiring further clinical review, optimisation, additional investigations or anaesthetic assessment.
• Liaise with consultants, anaesthetists, GPs, specialist teams and other healthcare professionals where required.
• Provide patients with clear information regarding their procedure, preparation, fasting, medication management, admission and discharge arrangements, within the nurse's scope of practice.
• Support patients to understand their individual care pathway and provide appropriate health education and advice.
• Ensure accurate, contemporaneous and confidential documentation within the patient record.
• Undertake and document appropriate observations and clinical assessments.
• Contribute to safe discharge planning and identify any post-operative support requirements where relevant.
• Maintain effective communication with the wider multidisciplinary team to support a safe and efficient patient journey.
• Participate in clinical audits, quality improvement, governance activities and service development.
• Comply with infection prevention and control requirements and maintain high standards of cleanliness and aseptic practice where applicable.
• Maintain knowledge of current clinical guidance and relevant professional standards.
• Work within the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code and the individual's professional scope of practice.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the level and responsibilities of the role.

Clinical Assessment Responsibilities

• Complete a structured nursing pre-assessment using the organisation's approved assessment documentation.
• Assess baseline observations and identify abnormal findings requiring further review.
• Review relevant medical history and identify significant comorbidities or risk factors.
• Review prescribed, over-the-counter and relevant complementary medications and identify issues requiring clarification.
• Check allergies and adverse drug reactions.
• Review relevant previous investigations, clinical correspondence and results available to the service.
• Identify potential issues relating to mobility, nutrition, frailty, cognition, communication or social circumstances where relevant.
• Identify infection risks and ensure appropriate screening or escalation in accordance with local policy.
• Recognise when a patient may require additional specialist assessment or optimisation before proceeding.
• Communicate clearly with the patient and document the outcome of the assessment.

Patient Experience and Communication

• Provide a welcoming, respectful and professional service to every patient.
• Communicate complex clinical information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ensure patients have an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.
• Adapt communication to individual needs, including language, hearing, cognitive or communication difficulties.
• Maintain patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Support patients who may be anxious or apprehensive about surgery.

Professional and Governance Responsibilities

• Maintain professional registration and comply with the NMC Code.
• Maintain mandatory and role-specific training requirements.
• Work within agreed policies, procedures, protocols and scope of practice.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and comply with information governance and confidentiality requirements.
• Report incidents, near misses, safeguarding concerns and clinical risks in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Participate in audit, reflective practice, supervision, appraisal and continuing professional development.
• Contribute positively to the development of a culture of safety, openness, learning and continuous improvement.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Post-Registration nursing experience preferably including surgical, peri-operative, medical or pre assessment nursing.

Desirable

• Experience in an independent healthcare/day-case environment.
• Formal pre-operative assessment experience
• Experience providing patient education

Qualifications

Essential

• Current NMC registration as a Registered Nurse
• Qualified in Phlebotomy
• Qualified in Cannulation
• Clinical Skills Course
• ECG interpretation skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).