Job summary
The Pre-Assessment Nurse will provide comprehensive nursing assessments for patients preparing for surgery. The post holder will ensure patients are clinically optimised, informed, and supported throughout their pre-operative pathway. You will work closely with patients, consultants, anaesthetists, and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centred care.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake holistic pre-operative nursing assessments and identify potential clinical risks.
• Review patients' medical history, medications, allergies, and existing health conditions.
• Perform clinical observations and relevant assessments to support patient optimisation.
• Arrange and coordinate investigations including blood tests, ECGs, and other required checks.
• Identify concerns and escalate appropriately to medical teams and specialist services.
• Provide patients with clear information, education, and reassurance regarding their procedure and recovery.
• Support safe surgical pathways by ensuring patients are appropriately prepared for admission.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation in line with Trust policies and professional standards.
• Work collaboratively with surgeons, anaesthetists, GPs, and other healthcare professionals.
• Promote patient safety, infection prevention, and evidence-based practice.

About us
The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's biggest and most innovative trusts. Across three main hospitals, our dedicated army of staff care for over 1.6million patients, treat more than 200,000 in A&E, deliver over 8,000 babies and carry out more than 17million tests. Our size, scale and influence offer you unrivalled career opportunities and a forward-thinking approach to working that works around your lifestyle. From flexible hours and generous benefits, to next level training, we make it easier to take your career to the top.

Person Specification
Royal Free World Class Values
Essential

• Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values

Education & professional Qualifications
Essential

• RN
• Post registration course in a relevant speciality essential
• Mentorship qualification essential

Desirable

• Advanced Assessment Skills module

Experience
Essential

• Current experience of preoperative assessment
• Experience of caring for the sick surgical patient
• Experience working as a mentor

Skills and aptitudes
Essential

• Knowledge of surgical nursing
• Excellent communication skills
• Evidence of phlebotomy skills
• Desire to develop leadership and managerial skills
• Experience of audit/benchmarking

Others
Essential

• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Able to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Good computer skills
• Demonstrates understanding of team working

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.