Operating Room Assistant

Operating Room Assistant Reports to the Director, Patient Care Services/Supervisor in the assigned area. Provides technical support services to the surgical team. Assists in the peri-operative care in a technical support staff function; communicates with surgeons, anesthesiologists and surgical services staff, interdepartmental communication, Sterile Processing, Distribution, Lab, Blood Bank, Pharmacy, and Housekeeping.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Sets up assigned operating rooms by

• Obtaining equipment, sterile supplies and positioning aids.
• Checking case carts for completion.
• Assembling and understanding functioning of operating room equipment (e.g., fracture table, positioning aides, microscopes, anesthesia machines, etc.)

Assures smooth functioning of activities in the Center Core by

• Answering telephone, intercom and pages.
• Assisting in maintaining and ordering inventory and date checking supplies.
• Ordering case carts from Sterile Processing and returning sterile supplies to shelves utilizing proper aseptic techniques.

Maintains assigned operating rooms, designated rooms, and other areas by

• Removing trash and soiled linens; replacing with clean linen and trash bags.
• Washing and preparing instruments and surgical equipment and maintaining operating room equipment.
• Checking supply levels in designated areas; reordering as needed to maintain par level.
• Storing unused sterile items in appropriate place.
• Transporting equipment to designated areas and storing equipment.

Assists nurse/physician with patient care by

• Transporting, lifting and positioning patients.
• Assisting with the application of cast and splint material.
• Performing hair removal and surgical preps.
• Following proper identification procedures prior to giving care.
• Attaching patient to cardiac monitor and pulse oximeter.
• Hanging non-medicated IV solutions with direct supervision of licensed nurse.
• Correcting IV pump alarms.
• Emptying, measuring and recording foley, ileostomy/colostomy and/or gastric drainage bags and emptying and changing suction containers.

Maintains clean, orderly environment by

• Cleaning OR, restricted or unrestricted areas, offices, and public areas.
• Cleaning OR's between cases and terminally per OR policies and procedures.
• Maintaining floors and carpeting using prescribed equipment and procedures.
• Replacing light bulbs and cleaning light fixtures as needed.
• Cleaning, disinfecting, and emptying all waste receptacles.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Assisting in the arrival and discharge of patients in OR.
• Providing courier services as needed, including delivering, retrieving or returning supplies, equipment, blood, etc.
• Assisting in the orientation of new staff to routines of the OR.
• Performing other job related duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Must be a minimum of 17 years of age. Successful completion of a planned instructional operating room sponsored orientation; and one year of clinical experience in an accredited hospital with operating room experience preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires successful completion of a practical and written Heart Saver CPR exam with a 90% or higher passing rate prior to the completion of the incumbent's 90-day introductory period.
• Requires basic knowledge of safety, departmental, hospital and emergency disaster procedures.
• Requires basic knowledge of anatomy and surgical procedures, maintenance of aseptic technique, isolation techniques, and postmortem care procedures.
• Requires knowledge of maintenance and care of surgical supplies and equipment.
• Requires ability to read and write at such level as to comprehend doctor preference cards and order case carts and supplies legibly and clearly.
• Demonstrates verbal ability necessary to communicate with patients and cognitive ability to understand instructions received from nursing staff.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently, establishing priorities, working effectively in an environment with interruptions and maintaining cooperative relationships with nursing staff and other personnel in all areas.

Working Conditions

• Works in the Operating Room environment and is exposed to physically, emotionally and mentally demanding situations.
• May be exposed to punctures from needles, cuts from instruments, infections, exposure to electrical shocks, laser technology, and some exposure to x-rays.

Physical Demands

• Requires physical ability and stamina (i.e., to lift objects of minimum 50 pounds, to position and lift patients of all sizes and weights and to stand, walk, and move freely for extended periods of time without relief) to perform the essential functions of the position.