Registered Nursing Associate - Pre-Op

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a Registered Nursing Associate to work within the Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic, specifically promoting and progressing early health screening and the department’s capabilities for remote appointments.

Working within a multi-professional team, the post holder will provide a complete package of assessment and communication for patients waiting for surgery. The successful candidate will have an enthusiastic approach to customer services and be highly organised. They will be able to work both well both in a team, but also using their own initiative. They will be flexible to meet the demands of the service.

Main duties of the job

You will:

• Implement the early screening and pre habilitation of patients waiting for surgery.
• Interpret patients medical history and using clinical knowledge to implement a plan of care.
• Participate in health promotion and refer to other agencied and members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate this.

The Registered Nursing Associate will work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, working within the sphere of nursing care and within aspects of the nursing process aligned to the Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates.

The Registered Nursing Associate will adhere to the Nursing and Midwifery Councils code of conduct (NMC) and must meet the NMC Standards of Proficiency.  The post holder will promote a team nursing philosophy of care at all times and work with members of the wider multi-disciplinary team to ensure patient needs are met. The post holder will work within their defined scope of practice as part of the wider nursing team, where required they will escalate concerns to a senior member of staff for guidance and support.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a full overview of the role and the knowledge/ skills required, please refer to the Job Description document attached as an additional document to this advert

• Under indirect supervision and work in partnership with a Registered Nurse provide and deliver a high standard of nursing care, contributing to the ongoing assessment, providing and monitoring evidence based care and working in partnership with the multidisciplinary team
• Ensure all investigations required for pre-operative care are completed and checked, including bloods/swabs and urine specimens, raising any concerns
• To raise any issues identified to the nurse in charge on duty, anaesthetist and surgeon
• To undertake a telephone preop assessment guided by standard operating procedures and policies
• Provide medication advise guided by the Pharmacy guidelines on pre-operative medicines management policy
• Manage effectively and timely the ongoing administration for patients who raise issues regarding their fitness to proceed with the planned elective procedure with the wider MDT
• Provide compassionate, safe and effective care and support to patients in a range of care settings
• Monitor the condition and health needs of patients within their care on a continual basis in partnership with patients, families and carers, ensuring appropriate escalation to a Registered Nurse when required
• Support patients to improve and maintain their mental, physical, behavioural health and well-being
• Care for a patient’s nursing needs whilst promoting comfort and well-being, ensuring their personal and social needs are met
• Safely undertake the following procedures to meet the patient’s nursing needs to include: Venepuncture; ECG recording; measuring and interpreting blood glucose levels; recording and interpreting vital signs; continence care; bladder and bowel care; pressure area care; wound care; nutrition; hydration; foot care; skin integrity; mood identification (as outlined in the NMC Nursing Associate Skills Annex)
• Identify and report changes in a patient’s condition to a registered nurse
• Prioritise and manage own workload, recognising where elements of care can safely be delegated to other colleagues, carers and family members
• Provide and receive sensitive information concerning a patient’s medical condition
• Work with the Registered Nurse and engage with agencies and community teams to ensure a safe, individualised approach to the admission and discharge of patients