Operating Room Assistant Jobs

Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment at all times. Works under the direction and supervision of the Team Leader RN. Will assist with transporting patients to and from operating room and assist with positioning of surgical patients. Primary duties will include cleaning and turning over of OR rooms in between cases. Check anesthesia machine stock in AM. Ordering, stocking, cleaning and processing of anesthesia supplies, equipment and drugs on a daily basis.

Responsibilities:

• Uses time effectively and constructively. Does not abuse supplies, equipment, and service. Observes all hospital and departmental policies governing conduct while at work (e.g., telephone and computer use, electronic messaging, smoking regulations, parking, breaks and other related policies.)
• Recognizes own strengths and limitations and asks for assistance from appropriate others when needed.
• Is in compliance with information contained in the Infection Control policies and demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment and hand washing techniques.
• Complies with all hospital safety and injury prevention policies and regulations (hospital safety policies and procedures).
• Rotates sterile equipment and supplies on shelves and inspects for package integrity.
• Cleans workroom as needed; Puts away stock.
• Responsible for adherence to regulations, standards and hospital or unit policies and procedures. Responsible for participation in Performance Improvement activities, unit meetings and in-services.
• Utilizing verbal communication methods, which enable others to clearly understand what is being said.
• Maintains the department in a neat, clean, orderly manner, especially in own work area.
• Checks stock in anesthesia carts each day before surgery begins.
• Participates actively in and positively affects the outcomes of customer service activities.
• Consistently uses two different patient identifiers before transporting when needed. Consistently and appropriately participates in “time out” according to facility policy.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the hospital’s mission, vision and values.
• Is knowledgeable about the hospital wide Continuous Quality Improvement Process using the Plan/Do/Check/Act (PDCA) process.
• Observes dress code policy and wears hospital identification as required by our policies and procedures.
• Interacts with coworkers, other hospital staff, physicians, and the public in a courteous, professional and efficient manner.
• Pulls and checks Dr’s. Preference card for requested supplies, equipment and instructions and ensures readiness for scheduled/anticipated operative time.
• Reports broken, worn, and unsafe equipment or supplies to the RN Team Leader or Director of Surgical Services.
• Uses effective collaborative effort strategies as evidenced by peer relationships that enable the group to work together to accomplish the daily workload within the allotted time frame and achieve departmental goals.
• Understands and abides by all departmental policies and procedures as well as the Code of Ethics, HIPPA requirements and patient rights.
• Is in compliance with information contained in the Infection Control policies (i.e. OSHA bloodborne pathogens standards and CDC guidelines). Demonstrates appropriate use of personal protective equipment, (i.e. gloves, gowns, goggles and masks) hand washing technique.
• Understands, respects and displays sensitivity to culture, age and persons with disabilities.
• Effective and timely processing of customers' requests according to hospital and departmental policies
• Utilizing verbal and nonverbal behaviors without being defensive, manipulative, aggressive or controlling.
• Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per hospital policy. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness.
• Displays a positive attitude: projects a caring, friendly, helpful image: acknowledges customer requests promptly.
• Independently recognizes and performs duties which need to be done without being directly assigned. Establishes priorities: organizes work and time to meet them.
• Maintains an adequate level of anesthesia supplies and equipment in a neat, clean, and organized manner.
• Able to prioritize workload to ensure appropriate tasks are completed in the order necessary to facilitate a smooth surgical case.
• Is sensitive to customer’s emotion’s, thoughts and feelings
• Timely notification to Operating Room Manager of potential problems or concerns. When faced with a problem or concern, is proactive by presenting suggested solutions at the time that the Operating Room Manager is made aware of the problem.
• Uses time effectively and constructively. Does not abuse supplies, equipment and service. Observes all hospital and departmental policies governing conduct while at work (e.g. telephone and computer use, electronic messaging, smoking regulations, parking, breaks and other related policies.)
• Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per hospital policy. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness.
• Treats internal and external customers as the most important part of the job.
• Using written communication that is legible, timely and at a level based on the position specific requirements.
• Monthly checks all medication for expiration dates.
• Is knowledgeable of all emergency codes and emergency preparedness procedures and understands his/her role in response to each of the emergency codes (Code Blue, Code Pink, Code Green, Code Orange, Code Yellow, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Violet, etc.).
• Timely notification to Director of Surgical Services of potential problems or concerns. When faced with a problem or concern, is proactive by presenting suggested solutions at the time that the Director of Surgical Services is made aware of the problem.
• Completes mandatory in-services and maintains continuing education folder.
• Able to verbalize at least one departmental and hospital wide improvement initiative that has occurred within the last 12 months.
• Utilizes correct mode of transport for various type of patients.
• Adheres to procedures for the disposal of waste – household waste and biohazard waste as well as the proper disposal of sharps.
• Uses proper body mechanics at all times. Seeks assistance when necessary to move heavy objects or to transport or transfer a heavy patient.
• Ensure crash cart, defibrillation function have been checked per protocol and after each code, appropriate items are immediately replaced and indicated by signature on crash cart check list.
• Accepts and adapts to unexpected changes in workload, assignment and scheduling.
• Anticipates and coordinates transport of patients with their scheduled surgical time, calls appropriate floor and makes arrangements for post op beds, and plans ahead for inpatient transports.
• Eliminates or assists in eliminating any seen or known hazards in the workplace. Reports any unsafe conditions to the Director of Surgical Services or to Biomed.
• Recognizes and understands that as a member of an interdependent group, collaboration and compromise is required in order to maintain the effectiveness of the group as a whole to effectively resolve problems.
• Understands performance improvement concepts and demonstrates understanding by defining performance improvement, and verbalizing, and verbalizing at least one major goal of the performance improvement program within the hospital setting; ability to describe a quality improvement problem solving process using the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) model and how its use assists in reaching improving patient outcomes and/or organizational quality improvement goals.
• Displaying teamwork ability to promote cooperation and collaboration: gaining support for programs and goals.
• Recognizes and responds to priorities, accepts changes and new ideas. Has insight into problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives.
• Takes appropriate actions to resolve a patient’s concerns.
• Is knowledgeable and adheres to JACHO/CMS standards specific to the position.
• Is knowledgeable in the hospital safety program and takes steps to maintain a safe environment. Adheres to safe work practices in order to prevent injuries and illnesses. Communicates ideas to Director for a safer layout of equipment, tools, and/or processes.
• Follows standard precautions and transmission-based precautions as shown by consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment, as well as proper handwashing.
• Wears proper OR attire at all times.
• Confirms availability, readiness and completeness of needed supplies, instruments and equipment before patient enters OR Suite.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required. (workroom/instrument room)
• Complies with federal, state local laws the govern business practices. Complies with all Department of Health Services requirements for the State and CMS standards that apply to the position.
• Refrains from negative comments of any kind where the public or other customers can hear.
• Attends required number of staff meetings per year.

Education and Experience:

• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• BLS upon hire and maintain current.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an acute care hospital.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Hours must be flexible to accommodate for needs during call shifts, Accreditation surveys or other unscheduled events.
• Must be able to prioritize tasks and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Must be able to handle stress of working efficiently with frequent interruptions and distractions.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals, infections and ionizing radiation
• Occasional requirement to wear Personal Protection Equipment
• Frequent sitting, standing and walking
• Occasionally twisting, reaching, grasping, bending, pulling and pushing
• Occasionally lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds