Job Purpose
The Day of Surgery Admission (DOSA) Unit is a pre‑operative unit where patients are prepared for theatre on the day of their surgery. Operating Monday to Friday, DOSA cares for patients undergoing surgical procedures across a large number of specialties and provides pre‑operative care for patients having major surgery. DOSA strives to make the patient journey to theatre as efficient as possible. The role is responsible for the provision of quality service in line with standards of nursing practice. As a key member of the frontline team, the general registered nurse will demonstrate strong clinical skills and facilitate effective communication with colleagues in the hospital. The position requires a collaborative and supportive approach to the development of services and structures, embracing continuous quality improvement and the implementation of changes necessary to achieve organisational objectives. A Pre‑Assessment Nurse conducts comprehensive pre‑operative evaluations, reviewing patient health history, ordering tests (ECGs, bloods), and optimising patient health before surgery. They collaborate with surgeons and anaesthetists to determine fitness for anaesthesia, provide education, and ensure informed consent, ultimately enhancing patient safety and reducing cancellations.
Key Responsibilities
Work as a member of the nursing team on day duty and perform duties as allocated by the Clinical Nurse Manager.
Deliver skilled practical care to patients and participate in the monitoring of the planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised patient care, ensuring a patient‑centred focus.
Provide holistic support to patients and their families, considering the multifaceted needs of emergency, medical and surgical patients.
Maintain controlled drug records and ensure safe practice in storage and administration of all drugs in accordance with local policy, Department of Health / NMBI guidelines.
Keep accurate, comprehensive and up‑to‑date records and written reports as required and guided by NMBI recommendations.
Use unit stocks and material efficiently and ensure the safe and correct use of all equipment.
Safeguard patients’ belongings in accordance with hospital policy where necessary.
Document all necessary care given on the Meditech Patient information system.
Be willing to be deployed to other areas of the hospital if requested.
Report incidents, accidents, near misses or complaints to the CNM in a timely and comprehensive manner and participate in any subsequent investigation as requested.
Participate in staff meetings, team meetings and committees as required.
Contribute to the NMBI professional nursing practice requirements and maintain an expanded scope of nursing practice.
Take personal responsibility for professional development, keeping up to date with evidence‑based practice and research.
Attend and participate in staff development programmes and share knowledge with other staff members.
Assist with orientation and induction of new staff and support the integration of nursing support staff.
Identify training and professional development requirements and inform the Learning and Education Team.
Attend mandatory training days and ensure all mandatory training is in date and comply with HR system and policy requirements.
Promote a patient‑centred culture of openness and responsiveness to positive and constructive patient feedback while maintaining patient dignity, respect and choice.
Ensure compliance with Blackrock Health Hermitage Clinic guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
Participate in the continuous review and evaluation of policies, guidelines and existing practices through regular audit programmes and review engagement with the multidisciplinary team.
Advise on and promote a culture of continuous quality improvement across the department.
Ensure a high standard of care to all patients, encourage evidence‑based practice and assist in the dissemination and implementation of research findings.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to develop standard operating procedures for the unit.
Promote a culture of safety, positive reporting of incidents and near misses; investigate and take remedial action on incidents or near misses involving patients and staff according to hospital policies, protocols and guidelines.
Pre‑Assessment Key Responsibilities
Perform detailed physical, social, and psychological nursing assessments to ensure suitability for surgery/sedation.
Order, perform and interpret pre‑operative investigations, including ECGs, blood tests and swabs.
Educate patients on pre‑operative hygiene, fasting, medication changes and manage chronic conditions to reduce risks.
Liaise with surgeons, anaesthetists and GPs to review complex cases and manage potential risks.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation in compliance with hospital policies and professional standards.
Essential Criteria and Skills
Registered in the general division of the Register of Nurses maintained by NMBI.
At least two years of recent relevant post‑registration nursing experience (full‑time or equivalent part‑time) in an acute hospital setting, with one year in a surgical setting.
Hold an up‑to‑date Basic Life Support course.
Previous experience in surgical, anaesthetic or acute care settings.
Clinical skills.
IT skills.
Quality focus.
Risk management.
Clinical audit.
Teamwork.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
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