Pre-Admissions Testing Nurse (PAT)

Keck Medicine of USC Surgery Center - Pasadena; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 117,000; Part time

Job summary

Keck Medicine of USC Surgery Center - Pasadena is seeking a Per Diem Pre-admissions Testing Registered Nurse to evaluate and prepare surgical patients. Responsibilities include chart review, preoperative assessment, and coordination with surgeons and anesthesia to ensure readiness and safe care.

The role requires an accredited nursing degree, CA RN license, and current BLS/ACLS/PALS certifications. Prior ASC experience and strong EHR skills are preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Associate’s degree in nursing preferred.
• CA RN license required.
• Minimum 1 year experience in specialty nursing.
• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification required.
• Full command of English language.
• ASC experience preferred.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic measures (labs, CXR, EKG).
• Strong documentation in electronic health records.

Responsibilities

• Reviews patient history, allergies, medications for anesthesia risk.
• Coordinates with surgeon’s offices for missing information or clearances.
• Initiates communication with anesthesia providers for optimization.
• Conducts PAT interviews in person or by phone.
• Documents findings in electronic health record accurately.
• Provides detailed preoperative instructions and postoperative expectations.
• Performs pre-operative testing and interprets diagnostics.
• Participates in quality assurance and process improvement activities.
• Maintains HIPAA compliance and regulatory standards.
• Fostering teamwork and coordination with clinical staff.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Documentation in EHR

Infection control

BLS Certification

ACLS/PALS Certification

Communication skills

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Education

Graduate of an accredited nursing program

Associate’s degree in nursing

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Pre-Admissions Testing Registered NursePer DiemPosition Summary:The Pre-admission Testing (PAT) Nurse is responsible for ensuring all surgical patients are appropriately evaluated and prepared for their scheduled procedures. This includes comprehensive chart review, preoperative assessment, coordination with surgeons and anesthesia providers for optimization, and patient education regarding perioperative instructions. The PAT Nurse ensures all diagnostic testing, consents, and preoperative requirements meet regulatory and facility standards to promote safe and efficient surgical care.Reports to: Director of NursingResponsibilities PAT Nurse duties will consist of, but are not limited to:Reviews patient history, allergies, medications, and comorbidities for anesthesia risk evaluationCoordinates with surgeon’s offices for missing information, test results, or medical clearancesInitiates communication with anesthesia providers for patients requiring additional review or optimization.Conducts and documents PAT interviews in person or by phone.Documents findings in electronic health record accuratelyProvides detailed preoperative instructions and postoperative expectations for patients and familiesPerforms pre-operative testing and reviews diagnostic tests and has an understanding and interpretation of diagnostic measures such as labs, chest x-ray and EKG.Participates in process improvement activities related to patient flow, cancellations, and same-day surgery readinessRegulatory ComplianceAdheres to all AAAHC, CMS, and CDPH regulations related to preoperative patient assessment and documentation standards.Must comply with all HIPAA privacy regulations regarding the confidentiality of Protected Health Information (PHI).Participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities related to surgical readiness and cancellations.The Nurse supports the center’s policies and procedures as well as its nursing philosophy.Must file an incident report for any unusual event that occurs to a patient or member of staff; this would include, but not be limited to, falls, needlestick injuries, aspiration of gastric contents, allergic reactions, and disruptive behavior by staff or patients. Also required to report any incidences or alleged incidences of abuse, harassment, or injury to self, other employees, or patients occurring at the Center or relating to the Center.Further specifications can be found in the Abuse Reporting documents and Code of Safe Practices, provided by the Director of Nursing.Performs other duties assigned by the Director of NursingProfessional Development:Participates in ongoing education, in-services, and competency validation.Maintains current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification per facility policy.Demonstrates commitment to continuous professional development.Recognizes and utilizes appropriate lines of communication.Foster cooperative efforts in meeting the goals of nursing by sharing workload.Communicates a positive and caring attitude toward unit, peers, staff, and all other contacts.Seeks guidance, direction and assistance where needed.Conveys ideas, concepts, and facts relative to patient care in a logical, understandable, and concise manner.Collaborates with surgeons, anesthesia providers, Administration, Pre-Op/PACU staff to ensure surgical readiness and optimize patient outcomes.Communicates effectively with offices and scheduling teams to ensure required documentation is received prior to the procedure dateQualifications:Graduate of an accredited nursing program.Associate's degree from an accredited College or University in the field of nursing preferred.Minimum of one (1) years’ experience in specialty nursing.Current Registered License with the State of CAAbility to interpret diagnostic measures such as labs, chest x-ray, and EKG.ASC experience preferredBLS, ACLS, and PALS - required upon hire.Full command of the English language, both verbal and written.