Operating Room Assistant

Operating Room Assistant

Position at Danbury Hospital

Northwell is the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast, serving residents of New York and Connecticut with 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians. Northwell cares for more than three million people annually in the New York metro area, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Northwell is New York State's largest private employer with over 104,000 employees — including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners — who are working to change health care for the better.

Summary:

The purpose of the Operating Room Assistant is to perform service functions that support the delivery of patient care in the Operating Room. These functions include but are not limited to: patient transportation, maintenance and cleaning of equipment and operating rooms, stocking supplies and running errands.

Responsibilities:

1. Transportation:

Safely transport patients to and from the preoperative and postoperative areas and the operating room, following safety protocols.

Assist patients with mobility issues, using wheelchairs or stretchers as required.

Check the patient's identity, monitor the patient's condition during transport, and report any changes to the nursing staff.

2. Preparation of the Operating Room:

Set up and organize the operating room for scheduled surgeries, ensuring all necessary equipment are available and in proper working order.

3. Intraoperative Support/Communication/Collaboration:

Obtain necessary instruments from the sterile room or the Sterile processing department when needed.

Assist in the positioning of the patient before and during the case.

Communicate effectively regarding the status of instruments, supplies, and any issues that may arise during procedures.

Be knowledgeable about emergency procedures and protocols within the operating room.

Assist in medical emergencies, ensuring readiness to respond to unexpected changes during surgery.

4. Cleaning Between Cases:

Efficiently clean and disinfect the operating room surfaces, equipment, and instruments between surgical cases to ensure a sterile environment.

Thoroughly clean all areas of the OR, including operating tables, lights, and other surfaces.

Ensure all waste, including biohazardous materials, is disposed of per hospital protocols.

5. Specimen Management:

Properly handle, and verify documented surgical specimens collected during procedures.

Ensure specimens are sent to the appropriate laboratory for analysis and maintain chain-of-custody documentation.

6. Equipment Management:

Ensure that all surgical equipment is appropriately cleaned and stored after each use.

Regularly inspect equipment for functionality and report any malfunctions or required repairs to appropriate personnel.

7. Education and Training:

Stay updated on industry best practices and hospital policies related to operating room procedures and participate in ongoing training and education to enhance skills and knowledge.

Assist in training new staff members in operating room protocols and procedures.

8. Terminal Cleaning:

Conduct comprehensive terminal cleaning of the operating room at the end of surgical days or as necessary to maintain hygiene and safety standards.

Use approved cleaning agents and techniques to disinfect all surfaces and equipment. Monitor and report any maintenance or repair needs identified during cleaning processes.

9. Stocking

Stocks all non-specialty areas including scrub rooms, warmers, linen carts, holding area, turnover supplies, PPE, etc.

10. Compliance

Fulfills all compliance responsibilities related to the position.

11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Skills Experience:

HS GRAD/EQUIVALENT

Working Conditions:

Manual: significant manual skills/motor coord & finger dexterity

Occupational: Significant occupational risk

Physical Effort: Very Heavy effort. May exert up to 50 lbs. force

Physical Environment: Significant exposure to dirt, odors, noise, human waste, etc.

Company: Danbury Hospital

Org Unit: 211

Department: Operating Room

Exempt: No

Salary Range: $17.00 - $28.50 Hourly