Setting Standards for Nurses

Nursing Skills for Preoperative Assessment - Edition 3 published 2022 by The Preoperative Association.

This booklet contains a framework for nurse competencies and written specifically for nursing staff, but it is acknowledged that other health professionals work within the field of Preoperative Assessment.

The nursing staff working within the field of Preoperative Assessment can span bands 2 to 8b, and it is recognised that many teams will not have a wide range of teams available. The Nursing Associate at Band 4 is a registered professional and has become integral within the team to deliver essential assessment for the individual patient. This guidance will demonstrate the opportunities available should a department wish to expand their team.

The tasks allocated to each band are a guide. It is recommended that with each task, full training, competency assessment and policy to cover the task are in place.

Whichever band of nurse is employed, the essential element is to ensure training and competency prior to effective practice, to ensure those acting on the information gleaned at Preoperative Assessment are able to identify risk and optimisation strategy for the safety of patient.