Operating Room Assistant Float/Radiology Tech

Job Description

Title: Operating Room Assistant Float/Radiology Tech

Location: 555 MidTowne NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Schedule: Full-Time (40 Hours/Week)

Work Environment: Onsite in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center

About Us

Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan (OAM) is proud to be West Michigan’s most established orthopedic practice. Our physicians and team members provide exceptional, individualized care for patients of all ages. As the most comprehensive independent provider of musculoskeletal care in the region, we provide total care from diagnosis, to treatment, and all the way through rehabilitation.

Patients at OAM will have access to our Specialized Surgeons, Physical and Occupational Therapists, MRI and X-ray services, and orthopedic bracing. Patients are also able to receive care from our Bone Health Clinic, OAM Now Urgent Orthopaedic Care Clinic, and Surgery Center – all of which are committed to optimizing their treatment outcomes.

Our teams work together to maximize and adjust treatment quickly and easily, resulting in a smoother, faster recovery for patients. From neck to toe, and from traumatic injuries to chronic conditions, patients will receive compassionate care that will allow them to embrace their full potential. Patient goals are our goals – we will restore their health so they are functioning as fully as possible in the activities they love at home, work, and in everyday life.

Position Summary

The Operating Room Assistant Float/Radiology Technologist is a flexible, cross-functional member of the surgical team who supports the daily operational, clinical, and imaging needs of the Surgery Center. Under the direction of the OR Manager, Registered Nurse, Surgeon, or appropriate designee, this position provides intraoperative radiology support while also assisting with operating room readiness, patient flow, supply management, room turnover, and general perioperative support activities.

The primary purpose of this role is to promote efficient surgical operations, accurate diagnostic imaging, patient safety, timely room turnover, appropriate supply availability, and exceptional support of the perioperative team. This position utilizes radiologic technology expertise to provide fluoroscopic imaging during surgical procedures while serving as a versatile support resource throughout the Surgery Center. The Operating Room Assistant Float/Radiology Technologist will recognize where assistance is needed and transition between responsibilities while remaining within demonstrated competencies and the appropriate scope of practice.

Supervision

This position has no direct reports.

Essential Responsibilities

Radiology Assistant:

• Perform radiographic imaging procedures in accordance with physician orders, established protocols, and radiation safety standards.
• Operate and maintain C-arm fluoroscopy equipment during orthopaedic surgical procedures.
• Position patients appropriately to obtain optimal imaging while ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Apply radiation protection principles for patients, physicians, and staff.
• Verify image quality and communicate imaging findings to the surgical team as appropriate.
• Maintain imaging equipment and ensure it is cleaned, maintained, and ready for use.
• Maintain imaging records and documentation in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with quality assurance activities related to radiology services.
• Report equipment malfunctions and coordinate service requests as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OR Assistant:

• Work cooperatively with team members to facilitate efficient operating room cleaning and turnover.
• Perform cleaning responsibilities as assigned by the department, including cleaning surgical equipment.
• Maintain appropriate stocking levels and inventory of supplies used in the operating room.
• Use equipment and supplies safely and appropriately.
• Set up suction equipment and properly dispose of suction canisters.
• Assist with opening sterile supplies for surgical procedures.
• Check and document required humidity levels and temperatures.
• Prepare the unit in the morning for patient care activities and assist with closing the department at the end of the day, as assigned.
• Assist with basic patient care needs, including holding extremities for skin asepsis and assisting with patient positioning.
• Follow aseptic technique and comply with universal and standard precautions.
• Properly bag and dispose of soiled linen and medical waste.
• Replace full sharps containers according to established procedures.
• Clean equipment between patient use and appropriately utilize personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team while maintaining patient confidentiality.
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to the needs of the Surgery Center and initiative in utilizing time effectively.
• Perform departmental stocking responsibilities and help maintain appropriate par levels of supplies.
• Notify appropriate personnel when supply levels become low.
• Assist with the ordering process by evaluating supplies on hand.
• Receive and check incoming supply shipments and ensure packing slips are provided to the appropriate staff.
• Notify appropriate staff when items listed on packing slips are missing from shipments.
• Properly distribute and store supplies upon receipt.
• Support quality assurance and process improvement initiatives by functioning as an effective team member, meeting or exceeding internal and external customer expectations, and pursuing continual improvement in systems and personal competency.
• Support members of the healthcare team in achieving Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) principles by modeling those principles within the role.
• Assume responsibility for continually improving professional knowledge and expertise.
• Participate in continuing education and in-service programs to achieve and maintain competency in assigned skills and enhance team effectiveness.
• Support surgical case setup by ensuring necessary supplies and equipment are available.
• Promptly communicate missing supplies or equipment to the Materials Manager, Operating Room Manager, and/or Clinical Inventory Specialist.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Surgical Assistant:

• Apply acquired skills and knowledge within the clinical setting.
• Recognize the importance of providing inclusive and non-discriminatory patient care.
• Relate the importance of lifelong learning to professional practice.
• Manipulate surgical instruments and tools, including retractors, under the guidance of the Surgeon.
• Understand the potential risks and benefits of different retraction methods and adjust techniques accordingly.
• Anticipate movements and adjust positioning to avoid breaches in sterility.
• Understand and apply the principles of aseptic technique while opening supplies for surgery.
• Visualize sterile trays and inspect instruments for bioburden during retrieval.
• Anticipate and adapt appropriately to changes in the surgical environment to meet the needs of the physician and patient.
• Function effectively as a surgical team member to deliver excellence in patient care.
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with professional, ethical, legal, and moral standards.
• Work collaboratively with Surgeons, Nurses, Anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to achieve common goals.
• Demonstrate appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication in the clinical setting.
• Demonstrate the social skills, professional appearance, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to uphold and protect surgical asepsis and perioperative safety.
• Practice the accountability, competence, and character expected of a medical professional.
• Respect the expertise and contributions of each team member and value diverse skills and perspectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Surgical Technologist:

• Train on surgical tech job responsibilities as needed.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Required:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Graduate of an accredited Radiologic Technology program.
  • Current American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification.
  • Current State of Michigan Radiologic Technologist licensure, if applicable.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment.
  • Experience in a healthcare, outpatient surgery, or medical care environment.
• Preferred:
  • One or more years of radiology experience in a surgical or outpatient setting.
  • Previous experience utilizing fluoroscopy/C-arm equipment during orthopaedic procedures.
  • Experience working in an ambulatory surgery center or operating room environment.
  • Experience in orthopedics, sports medicine, or musculoskeletal imaging.

Specific Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of radiographic positioning, imaging techniques, fluoroscopy, and radiation safety principles.
• Knowledge of sterile and aseptic technique and the ability to apply these principles in the perioperative environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to safely operate imaging equipment, surgical equipment, and related supplies.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and support multiple operating rooms as needed.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing procedural and operational demands.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish professional relationships with patients, physicians, and team members.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of the healthcare team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical workplace behaviors.
• Proficiency with computer systems, electronic health records, and imaging software.

Motor, Sensory, and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for prolonged periods throughout the workday.
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds maximum, with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to assist with patient positioning and transfers utilizing proper body mechanics.
• Manual dexterity required to operate imaging equipment, surgical equipment, and related technology.
• Ability to work in an environment requiring the use of personal protective equipment, including radiation protection garments.
• Normal or corrected visual acuity and hearing sufficient to perform job responsibilities safely and effectively.