Posting Date: 4/28/2026Internal Closing Date: 5/4/2026* Internal candidates must apply by midnight on the Closing Date in order to have bidding rights. Under the direct supervision of the Nursing Supervisor and in collaboration with the Perioperative Services leadership team, primarily responsible for the delivery of coordinated nursing care for a patient or an assigned group of patients within an assigned unit and for the day-to-day management and supervision of the related clinical activities.
The Pre Admission RN performs a verbal assessment and intake with the patient prior to admission, usually via a phone interview, as well as collects the patient's medical history from previous medical records. The nurse also works closely with the anesthesia department in coordinating the patient's needs. Preadmission testing nurses are responsible for preparing patients for surgery. The nurse conducts comprehensive health history interviews, PreOp phone calls, ordering diagnostic tests as directed by anesthesia orders, interprets results and determines when consultation of anesthesia or other specialist is required. Alerts anesthesia of results of labs, physical assessment, or special needs of individual with medical problems - prior to date of surgery. Perform outbound follow up calls as requested.
The Pre Admission RN may also be requested to obtain concurrent vital signs to detect deviations from expected normal values and assesses condition for changing patient status and independently intervenes with appropriate care. The nurse may also perform any tests the surgeon has ordered, such as an EKG, COVID screening swabs, and to draw blood for lab work when a patient comes in person for their preadmission visit. The Preadmission testing nurse communicates patient education based on individualized needs of the patient, as requested by Physician and/or facility policy to optimize the patient preparation for surgery and continued care upon discharge. Practice appropriate telephone and patient triage skills, being aware of the need to balance quality care with efficient use of time and resources.
The Pre Admission RN plans patient cares based upon evidence based standards, facility policies, procedures, protocols or processes. The nurse maintains awareness of specific needs of the patient including but not limited to: comfort, pain relief, anxiety relief, cultural and spiritual diversity, age specificity, protection of natural reflexes until emergency from anesthesia, prevention of surgical site infection, hydration, thermoregulation, hemodynamics, accurate point of care diagnostic testing, and plans interventions accordingly.
Also responsible for supervising and responsibly directing the activities of various levels of assigned nursing and ancillary personnel, utilizing both professional and supervisory discretion and independent judgment. Understands and adheres to the California Nurse Practice Act, The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses, the ANA Bill of Rights for Registered Nurses and the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice for Nursing. The Registered Nurse shall be responsible for the observation and direction of patient lifts and mobilization and shall participate as needed in patient handling.
Speak and read English at a level that is sufficient to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the position. Knowledge of standard office equipment (i.e., calculator, fax, photocopier) and personal computer and computer software skills (i.e., MS Windows, Excel, Access, Word, Powerpoint, internet, e-mail). Windows computer skills including proficient use of keyboarding, use of mouse or keys for functions such as selecting items, use of drop down menus, scroll bars, opening folders, copying and similar operations required upon employment or within the 1st two weeks of employment to perform the essential functions of the job. Performs other duties as assigned. Follows Palomar Health rules, policies, procedures, applicable laws and standards. Carries out the mission, vision, and quality commitment of Palomar Health.
Job Requirements
Minimum Education: As required by certification and/or licensure
Preferred Education: Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience: 1 year of directly related RN experience in area of specialty to include PreOp, OR, PACU, Endoscopy or Case Management of directly related RN experience in area of specialty
Preferred Experience: 2+ years of directly related experience as RN in Pre Admission Testing
Bilingual Spanish
Required Certification: American Heart Association recognized BLS - Healthcare Provider
Preferred Certification: Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) or Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN
Required License: Current CA RN License
Preferred License: Not Applicable
