RN PAT Coordinator

United Surgical Partners International Inc (USPI); Austin (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plan (401k)

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Northwest Surgery Center in Austin, TX, is hiring a RN PAT Coordinator to lead pre-admission testing operations and ensure patients are ready for surgery. The role collaborates with physicians, anesthesia, schedulers, and leadership to optimize readiness and reduce cancellations.

The candidate will perform comprehensive preoperative assessments, analyze data, and document care while promoting a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. BSN and TX RN license required.

Qualifications

• RN license in Texas required or eligible to practice in Texas.
• 3–5 years of nursing experience in acute care, perioperative, or surgical settings.
• PAT experience preferred; leadership or charge nurse experience beneficial.
• Proficiency with Epic EMR and medical documentation systems; strong clinical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the PAT department's daily operations and staff.
• Serve as primary PAT resource and mentor for the team.
• Ensure timely preop assessments, clearances, and documentation in Epic.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical assessment

Communication

Problem solving

Education

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

RN license in Texas

Tools

Epic EMR

Job description

About Northwest Surgery Center

Conveniently located on the Ascension Seton Northwest Hospital campus, Northwest Surgery Center features 7 OR rooms and 1 procedure room. The facility performs outpatient surgical procedures in ENT, General, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic, Pain Management, Podiatry, and Urology.

Position requires weekdays only – no holidays, weekends, or call. Some early mornings and later evenings may be required; schedule is subject to change based on surgical schedule and flow of the day.

RN PAT Coordinator at Northwest Surgery Center

The Pre Admission Testing (PAT) Coordinator serves as the department leader and is responsible for daily oversight, performance, and coordination of all PAT activities. This role ensures patients are appropriately assessed, clinically cleared, and prepared for surgery through accurate chart review, timely completion of preoperative requirements, and adherence to PAT criteria, physician protocols, and accreditation standards.

The PAT Coordinator is accountable for departmental productivity, quality outcomes, staff development, workflow management, and continuous process improvement. The position serves as the primary resource for PAT team members and collaborates closely with physicians, anesthesia providers, schedulers, and surgery center leadership to optimize patient readiness, reduce cancellations, and improve operational efficiency.

In addition to leadership responsibilities, the PAT Coordinator performs comprehensive preoperative nursing assessments, collects and analyzes clinical data, develops and implements plans of care, evaluates patient progress, and ensures appropriate documentation. Care is provided with sensitivity to the age‑specific and unique needs of each patient and family.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the daily operations of the PAT department.
• Serve as the primary resource and team lead for PAT staff.
• Monitor and maintain departmental productivity, quality, and service standards.
• Ensure PAT criteria, clinical protocols, physician requirements, and regulatory standards are consistently followed.
• Manage workflow to ensure timely completion of patient assessments, required testing, medical clearances, and documentation.
• Proactively oversee patient readiness with a goal of clearing patients for surgery at least 5 business days prior to their scheduled procedure whenever clinically feasible.
• Conduct comprehensive preoperative patient assessments and chart reviews.
• Coordinate with physicians, anesthesia providers, primary care providers, and specialists to obtain necessary clearances and documentation.
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and implement process improvement initiatives to increase productivity and enhance patient outcomes.
• Monitor department metrics and develop action plans to address opportunities for improvement.
• Train, mentor, and support PAT staff while promoting accountability and professional development.
• Collaborate with surgery scheduling, clinical leadership, and physicians to address patient readiness concerns and minimize day‑of‑surgery issues.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation within Epic and other electronic medical record systems.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Texas.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of nursing experience in an acute care, perioperative, or surgical setting.
• PAT experience strongly preferred.
• Prior leadership, coordinator, charge nurse, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Epic, electronic medical records, and medical documentation systems.
• Strong knowledge of preoperative assessment, surgical procedures, and perioperative patient management.
• Ability to recognize, evaluate, and resolve problems while implementing effective solutions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, physicians, staff, vendors, and the public.
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
• Strong teaching, coaching, and mentoring abilities.
• Understanding of regulatory, accreditation, and quality standards related to surgical services.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• Life and AD&D coverage
• Availability of short‑ and long‑term disability
• Flexible financial benefits including FSAs and HSAs
• 401(k) and access to retirement planning
• Paid holidays and vacation