Staff Nurse Pre-Assessment - UPMC Whitfield Hospital, Waterford
Location: UPMC Whitfield Hospital
Job type: Permanent
Overview of role
UPMC are 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.
Clinical Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive pre-operative assessments for allelective patients scheduled for surgery, catheterisation procedures,theatre cases, paediatric procedures, and endoscopy.
Perform detailed clinical assessments including medicalhistory, medication review, allergies, and risk factors.
Identify potential clinical risks and escalated concernsappropriately to medical staff, anaesthetists, or specialist services.
Perform and interpret baseline investigations including:
Phlebotomy and blood sampling
ECG recording
Vital signs monitoring
Relevant pre-operative screening tests
Assess patient suitability for planned procedures andensure readiness for surgery/procedure.
Provide patient education regarding surgicalpreparation, fasting instructions, medications, and postoperativeexpectations.
Ensure appropriate referrals to specialist teams whenrequired (e.g., anaesthetics, cardiology, respiratory, diabetes).
Support paediatric patient assessments ensuringage-appropriate care and communication.
Ensure accurate documentation of all assessments andclinical findings in the patient record.
Participate in multidisciplinary collaboration tofacilitate safe patient care pathways.
Promote a patient-centred approach to care ensuringdignity, respect, and compassionate communication at all times.
Administrative Duties
Maintain accurate and timely documentation inelectronic and paper medical records.
Coordinate and schedule pre-assessment appointments andfollow-up investigations where required.
Ensure results of diagnostic tests are reviewed andcommunicated 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 workflowoptimisation within the pre-assessment clinic.
Maintain compliance with hospital policies, procedures,and data protection regulations.
Assist in maintaining efficient patient flow andminimising 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 developmentrelevant to perioperative and pre-assessment nursing.
Attend mandatory training and competency updates asrequired by the organisation.
Participate in educational activities, workshops, andprofessional conferences.
Support the education and mentorship of junior nursingstaff and students where applicable.
Remain up to date with current clinical guidelines andevidence-based practice in perioperative care.
Accreditation, Quality and Safety (Lean Principles)
Promote a culture of patient safety and qualityimprovement within the pre-assessment service.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives alignedwith Lean healthcare principles.
Contribute to clinical audits, service evaluations, andaccreditation standards.
Adhere to infection prevention and control policies.
Identify risks and report incidents according tohospital governance procedures.
Participate in the development and review of clinicalpolicies and protocols.
Support initiatives aimed at improving efficiency,reducing delays, and enhancing patient experience.
Information Governance
In the course of 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, unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer.
On no account must information concerning staff or patients be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty.
In addition, records must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.
Qualifications & Experience
Qualifications
Essential
Registered General Nurse with current registrationwith the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
Recognised nursing qualification (Diploma or Degreein Nursing).
Desirable
Postgraduate qualification in perioperative nursing, acute care, or clinical assessment.
Certification inphlebotomy and ECG recording.
Experience
Essential
Minimum of 2 years post-registration clinicalexperience in an acute hospital setting.
Experience in surgical, medical, perioperative, oroutpatient clinical environments.
Experience performing clinical assessments andpatient education.
Desirable
Experience in pre-operative assessment services.
Experience working in theatre, cath lab, or endoscopysettings.
Job Specific
Competencies and Knowledge
Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
Competence in phlebotomy procedures.
Competence in ECG recording andbasic interpretation.
Ability to recognise patientdeterioration or potential surgical risk.
Knowledge of perioperativepatient care pathways.
Strong organisational and timemanagement skills.
Ability to prioritise workload effectively in a busyclinical environment.
Personal Competencies
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong patient advocacy and compassionate approach tocare.
Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Professionalism, integrity, and accountability in clinical practice.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to patientsafety.
Adaptability and flexibility within a dynamichealthcare environment.
Commitment tocontinuous learning and professional development.
Salary
€37,****** - €53,****** 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.
Compensation
– Competitive pay for the work employees do – base pay, performance related pay and premium pay where applicable.
Benefits
– Fully paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
Competitive Pension Plan, company funded Death in Service Benefit x 3 times.
Critical Illness cover for all employees up to the age of 66.
Performance and Recognition
– Rewards for performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC through our annual ACES programme.
Work-Life Balance
– Enhanced annual leave up to a maximum of 27 days.
Flexible working opportunities to support you to work around external family commitments.
Development and Career Opportunities
– Opportunities for each employee to reach their career goals through continued learning and/or advancement.
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