Manager Pre-Admission Testing (PAT), Surgical Scheduling

Administers, organizes, integrates and evaluates the activities of the main Pre-Operative Holding (POH) Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) and Surgical Scheduling departments. Accountable and responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, direct and indirect care for the patient in Main POH, PAT and ensures accuracy and effectiveness of the surgical scheduling department.

Manages staff; interviews, hires and trains; evaluates employee performance; deals with performance problems as appropriate; delegates work assignments effectively. Assists in managing department budget. Monitors effectiveness of Main POH, PAT and Surgery Scheduling in relation to objectives, productivity and costs.

Possesses the technical skills and expertise to act quickly, knowledgeably and appropriately in any situation that may occur in the Main POH, PAT and Surgery Scheduling. Designs, with agreement from Director of Nursing (DON) and implements the specific staffing plan related to the current surgical volume and block allocation. Monitors patient acuity/staffing through the bi-weekly productivity report and takes appropriate action.

Serves as a resource and role model for staff. Plans, evaluates, recommends and implements new initiatives when appropriate. Provides safe environment for patients and caregivers, compliant to EOC rules, AORN and ASPAN recommendations and all regulatory requirements.

Facilitates development of unit specific standards of care aligned with AORN best practices with realistic and measurable patient care outcomes. Performs performance improvement activities meeting goals and aligning with hospital true north. Provides orientation for the medical staff to the Main POH, PAT and Surgery Scheduling departments and processes.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with TMCH surgeons, vendors, and anesthesia. Supports and promotes a positive image of TMCH when dealing with patients and others inside and outside the organization. Promotes an optimum environment in which the patient care team can accomplish mutually developed goals.

Investigates patient complaints and/or incidents, initiating corrective and/or disciplinary action. Responsible for formulating and administering policies, plans, budgets and programs for the Main POH, PAT and Surgery Scheduling departments. Ensures compliance with requirements of federal, state and community agencies, regulatory authorities, and hospital policies and procedures.

Selects and monitors preceptors in development of their role to facilitate new grad hires as well as new hires incorporation into the unit staff. Ensures the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs for staff. Develops and ensures yearly competencies aligned with AORN/ASPAN recommendations.

Assists with education planning, documentation, and record keeping for assigned unit(s). Provides for safe transportation of all patients to and from the surgical services departments. Seeks support from the admissions and PAT departments to facilitate prompt arrival of patients and accumulation of required documentation for all surgical patients.

Reviews and proactively identifies issues and solutions of the daily OR schedule. Ensures Surgery Scheduling proactively identifies issues proactively. Ascertains surgical suite allocation based on surgeon requirements, equipment needs and functionality.

Manages the daily operational needs for inpatient bed. Ensures effective communication with the Bed Control Unit that will optimize the organization’s throughput, and resources. Adheres to and supports team members in exhibiting TMCH values of integrity, community, compassion, and dedication.

Adheres to TMCH organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies and standards. Performs related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. (Some positions may substitute a Bachelor’s Degree in a related healthcare field plus relevant experience/training related to the specific skill area). Master’s Degree preferred.

• Five (5) years of relevant nursing experience with mastery of the role and competencies, evidence of expertise, leadership, teaching and interpersonal skills, and documentation of professional development. LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: Current RN license permitting work in the state of Arizona and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. OR, POH or PACU certification required or obtained within 6 months. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
• Knowledge of critical care techniques, tools and responses required to ensure optimal patient care.
• Knowledge of processes and procedures to follow during a rapid response, code, or stroke call.
• Knowledge of surgery specialties and how to prepare, assess and provide intraoperative patient care that ensures best practices are followed.
• Knowledge of infectious diseases, OSHA and CMS requirements, microbiology and surveillance practices for infection control.
• Skill in evaluating performance and recommending improvements.
• Skill in managing and training staff.
• Knowledge of position control strategies and forecasting staffing needs.
• Skill in strategic planning and developing staffing plans to meet not only current needs but future needs.
• Skill in analyzing financial, staffing and production reports to effectively evaluate staffing criteria.
• Skill in communicating with staff involved in surgical care, and physicians to ensure the proper care of patients.
• Skill in developing training materials and educating staff in the proper responses for surgical care issues.
• Knowledgeable of regulatory and accreditation compliance (CMS, DOH, OSHA, AORN, AAAHC)
• Skill in the use of computer systems and programs, especially NRCPR, PC File and Folder, Word, EXCEL, e-mail and attachment capabilities, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to create and analyze reports to evaluate staffing needs based on a wide variety of statistical data.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to communicate both in writing and verbally in order to lead, teach and report on issues and effectively deal with difficult situations.
• Ability to complete routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to listen and accurately interpret others’ communication or instructions to take appropriate action.
• Ability to coordinate efforts of a diverse team of care providers.
• Maintain a positive attitude even during periods of stress and challenge
• Ability to speak and communicate effectively.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.