Staff Nurse Pre-Assessment - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Staff Nurse Pre-Assessment - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford

Job Type: Permanent

Overview of role

UPMC is currently recruiting for Staff Nurse Pre-Assessment at UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford. The Staff Nurse in the Pre Operative Pre Assessment Service is responsible for the comprehensive assessment, preparation, and optimisation of elective patients scheduled for procedures across multiple specialties including surgery, cath lab, paediatrics, and endoscopy. The role ensures that patients are clinically evaluated, appropriately investigated, and fully prepared prior to admission, promoting patient safety, efficient patient flow, and optimal surgical outcomes. The Staff Nurse works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support safe, high quality, and patient centred care in line with hospital policies, professional standards, and national regulatory requirements.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive pre operative assessments for all elective patients scheduled for surgery, catheterisation procedures, theatre cases, paediatric procedures, and endoscopy.
• Perform detailed clinical assessments including medical history, medication review, allergies, and risk factors.
• Identify potential clinical risks and escalade concerns appropriately to medical staff, anaesthetists, or specialist services.
• Perform and interpret baseline investigations including phlebotomy and blood sampling, ECG recording, vital signs monitoring, and relevant pre operative screening tests.
• Assess patient suitability for planned procedures and ensure readiness for surgery/procedure.
• Provide patient education regarding surgical preparation, fasting instructions, medications, and postoperative expectations.
• Ensure appropriate referrals to specialist teams when required (e.g., anaesthetics, cardiology, respiratory, diabetes).
• Support paediatric patient assessments ensuring age appropriate care and communication.
• Ensure accurate documentation of all assessments and clinical findings in the patient record.
• Participate in multidisciplinary collaboration to facilitate safe patient care pathways.
• Promote a patient centred approach to care ensuring dignity, respect, and compassionate communication at all times.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in electronic and paper medical records.
• Coordinate and schedule pre assessment appointments and follow up investigations where required.
• Ensure results of diagnostic tests are reviewed and communicated appropriately.
• Liaise with surgical teams, anaesthetic teams, theatres, cath lab, and endoscopy units to ensure patients are fully prepared prior to admission.
• Participate in service planning and workflow optimisation within the pre assessment clinic.
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and data protection regulations.
• Assist in maintaining efficient patient flow and minimising surgery cancellations due to incomplete assessments.

Education and Professional Development

• Maintain active registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• Participate in continuous professional development relevant to perioperative and pre assessment nursing.
• Attend mandatory training and competency updates as required by the organisation.
• Participate in educational activities, workshops, and professional conferences.
• Support the education and mentorship of junior nursing staff and students where applicable.
• Remain up to date with current clinical guidelines and evidence based practice in perioperative care.

Accreditation, Quality and Safety

• Promote a culture of patient safety and quality improvement within the pre assessment service.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives aligned with Lean healthcare principles.
• Contribute to clinical audits, service evaluations, and accreditation standards.
• Adhere to infection prevention and control policies.
• Identify risks and report incidents to hospital governance procedures.
• Participate in the development and review of clinical policies and protocols.
• Support initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, reducing delays, and enhancing patient experience.

Information Governance

During your employment you may have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and/or staff. Such records and information are strictly confidential; under no circumstances should information concerning staff or patients be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty. Records must never be left in a manner that allows unauthorised persons to access them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.

Qualifications & Experience Qualifications

Essential:

• Registered General Nurse with current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
• Recognised nursing qualification (Diploma or Degree in Nursing).

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in perioperative nursing, acute care, or clinical assessment.
• Certification in phlebotomy and ECG recording.

Experience

Essential:

• Minimum of 2 years post registration clinical experience in an acute hospital setting.
• Experience in surgical, medical, perioperative, or outpatient clinical environments.
• Experience performing clinical assessments and patient education.

Desirable:

• Experience in pre operative assessment services.
• Experience working in theatre, cath lab, or endoscopy settings.

Job Specific Competencies and Knowledge

• Strong clinical assessment and decision making skills.
• Competence in phlebotomy procedures.
• Competence in ECG recording and basic interpretation.
• Ability to recognise patient deterioration or potential surgical risk.
• Knowledge of perioperative patient care pathways.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively in a busy clinical environment.

Personal Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong patient advocacy and compassionate approach to care.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Professionalism, integrity, and accountability in clinical practice.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Adaptability and flexibility within a dynamic healthcare environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Salary

€37,657.19 - €54,223.51 per annum based on a 37 hour week.

Equal Opportunity Statement and Benefits

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Benefits

• Full paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
• Competitive pension plan.
• Company funded death in service benefit.
• Critical illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
• Performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.
• Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days.
• Flexible working opportunities to support external family commitments.
• Opportunities for career development and advancement.