Staff Nurse – Pre-Assessment (Elective Surgery)

About the role

The Pre‑Assessment Service at UPMC Whitfield Hospital is seeking a Staff Nurse to lead comprehensive pre‑operative assessments for elective patients across surgery, cath‑lab, paediatrics and endoscopy. The role ensures patients are clinically evaluated, optimised and fully prepared before admission, supporting patient safety and efficient surgical pathways.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct detailed pre‑operative assessments, including medical history, medication review, allergies and risk factors.
• Perform and interpret baseline investigations such as phlebotomy, blood sampling, ECG and vital‑signs monitoring.
• Identify clinical risks and escalate to medical, anaesthetic or specialist teams as required.
• Provide patient education on fasting, medication management and postoperative expectations.
• Arrange appropriate referrals to anaesthetics, cardiology, respiratory or diabetes services.
• Document all findings accurately in electronic and paper medical records.
• Coordinate appointment scheduling, follow‑up investigations and communication of test results.
• Collaborate with surgical, anaesthetic, theatre, cath‑lab and endoscopy teams to ensure readiness for admission.
• Support paediatric assessments with age‑appropriate communication.

Required profile

• Active registration as a Registered Nurse with the relevant national nursing board.
• Experience in pre‑operative or acute care nursing, preferably within a multi‑specialty hospital.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to maintaining patient dignity, respect and compassionate communication.

Required skills

• Phlebotomy and blood sampling
• ECG recording
• Vital‑signs monitoring
• Interpretation of baseline investigations
• Use of electronic medical record systems