Registered Nurse Prescreen

Job Title: Registered Nurse Prescreen

Position Summary 

The Hybrid Prescreen RN is responsible for completing preoperative screening of patients scheduled for procedures at the surgery center. This position contacts patients before surgery to obtain and review health histories, medications, allergies, previous surgical and anesthesia history, and other pertinent clinical information. 

The RN evaluates clinical information for potential anesthesia or surgical risk, identifies concerns requiring additional testing or medical clearance, and communicates pertinent findings to anesthesia, nursing leadership, physician offices, and other members of the surgical team. The RN follows established, strict prescreening criteria when interviewing patients and reviewing their medical history to ensure appropriate concerns are identified, documented, and escalated according to facility and anesthesia guidelines. 

This position is designed as a hybrid role, allowing a combination of on-site and remote work when operational needs, productivity expectations, and patient-care requirements are being met. The RN must demonstrate the ability to work independently, remain productive, and consistently meet established prescreen timelines regardless of work location. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Complete thorough preoperative telephone assessments with scheduled surgical patients. 

• Work quickly and efficiently to ensure all prescreen calls are completed within the established goal of 5-7 days prior to each patient’s scheduled surgery, while maintaining accuracy, thoroughness, and patient safety. 

• Review and verify medical and surgical history, medications, allergies, and other pertinent health information. 

• Assess clinical information for potential anesthesia risks and appropriateness for the ambulatory surgery setting. 

• Consistently follow established prescreen and anesthesia criteria when interviewing and assessing patients. 

• Identify patients requiring additional testing, medical clearance, anesthesia review, or other follow-up before surgery. 

• Recognize concerns that require escalation and communicate them promptly to the appropriate provider or member of the clinical team. 

• Provide clear and accurate preoperative instructions, including medication instructions and patient-specific requirements. 

• Confirm the scheduled procedure and laterality and ensure documentation is accurate and complete. 

• Maintain complete and timely documentation within the electronic medical record and case coordination systems. 

• Review voicemail, email, and patient communications throughout the workday and respond in a timely manner. 

• Communicate concerns promptly with anesthesia, the Charge Nurse, Director of Nursing, physician offices, scheduling, and other appropriate team members. 

• Notify appropriate departments regarding cancellations, rescheduling, or concerns that could affect the patient’s procedure. 

• Follow established anesthesia screening criteria and escalation processes, including established hard and soft stops. 

• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, facility policies, and organizational requirements. 

Productivity Expectations 

• Work quickly, efficiently, and independently to consistently maintain the prescreen schedule 5-7 days ahead of scheduled surgeries. 

• Conduct patient phone calls in a thorough but efficient manner to maintain the required daily patient volume. 

• Balance efficiency with accuracy, patient safety, and appropriate patient education. 

• Make timely patient-contact attempts and follow up appropriately when patients cannot initially be reached. 

• Complete documentation at the time of the prescreen whenever possible.