Operating Room Assistant

Operating Room Assistant

The Operating Room Assistant (ORA), under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), provides support as a member of the surgical team through: room turnover, inventory/restocking, assistance with equipment, transportation of supplies/instrumentation, cleaning and sterilizing equipment and smooth flow of patient care in the OR.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works cooperatively with other team members to facilitate room cleaning and turnover time.
• Performs other cleaning responsibilities as assigned by department. Cleans surgical area and equipment adhering to center and cleaning product guidelines.
• Uses equipment and supplies safely and appropriately. This includes: setting up suction equipment and disposing of suction canisters, assists with opening of sterile supplies for procedures; checking and logging humidity levels and temperatures; and prepares the unit in the morning for patient care activities; or assists in closing the department at night.
• Demonstrates flexibility while responding to the Surgical Center's needs, shows initiative in utilizing time effectively; works cooperatively with other team members to facilitate room cleaning and turnover time.
• Performs and maintains stocking of supplies and inventory used in the ORs, anesthesia carts, and clean storage areas. Helps maintain appropriate par levels of supplies and notifies appropriate personnel if supply levels become low. Assist in placing supplies where they belong when shipment arrives.
• Supports surgical case set-up by assuring all needed supplies or equipment is available. Communicates any missing items promptly to Materials Manager, OR Manager and/or Clinical Director.
• Facilitates movement of clean supplies between floors according to center protocol.
• Demonstrates adherence to following aseptic technique; complies with universal/standard precautions; bagging and disposing of soiled linen and medical waste; replacing full sharps containers; cleaning equipment between patients' use, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Communicates effectively with patients, their families, and members of the health care team and maintains patient confidentiality.
• Supports the principles of quality assurance and process improvement including functioning as an effective team member; focus on meeting and exceeding the expectations of internal and external customers; strives for continual improvement in systems and personal competency; supports other members of the health care team to achieve principles of QAPI through modeling them in own role.
• Assumes responsibility for continually improving own expertise. Participates in continuing education and in-service programs related to achieving and/or maintaining competency in assigned skills and enhancing team functioning and effectiveness.

Education, Experience, Licenses, and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Operating Room experience with general knowledge of sterile technique and medical terminology preferred.