Position Summary:

The Ambulatory Surgery Center Operating Room Assistant, reporting to the Assistant Clinical Manager of the operating rooms and under the general direction of the OR Registered Nurses, performs such duties as necessary to facilitate OR turnover and daily work flow to maintain efficiencies.  The ASC OR Assistant must be able to communicate well with patients and deal effectively with OR personnel.  The individual will demonstrate a commitment to excellent patient care.

Qualifications:

Required:  

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. 1-3 years of relevant work experience
3. CPR certified.
4. Ability to function independently with minimal supervision and be capable of setting priorities in stressful   situations.
5. Possess computer and data entry skills.
6. Possess a high degree of accuracy.
7. Strong work history and good attendance record.
8. Understanding of aseptic principles and sterile technique.

 Preferred:

1. Experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
2. Experience in an Operating Room setting/sterile environment setting.

Essential Physical Functions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Ability to stand or walk for extended periods and move quickly between tasks.
2. Ability to hear and converse in person.
3. Ability to perform fine motor tasks, such as when working with the computer, writing or phone tasks.
4. Ability to twist/bend, stoop/crouch.
5. Ability to push/pull wheeled objects, such as an emergency cart, mechanical lift, OR booms, OR tables or other equipment weighing up to 100 pounds on a frequent basis.
6. Ability to safely lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds on a frequent basis.
7. Ability to safely perform patient handling tasks, such as pushing a wheelchair, ambulation assistance, patient positioning or transfers.
8. Ability to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including a respirator, when working around bloodborne pathogens, medications or chemicals common in a sterile OR environment.
9. Ability to work first or second shift type hours.
10. Ability to perform CPR

Responsibilities:

1. Prepare for scheduled surgical cases by reviewing details and variations of particular cases that affect supplies and equipment:
a. Identify equipment and instruments needed.
b. Identify appropriate medications for the case and collecting them.
c. Identify appropriate suture and implants for the case as needed.
d. Identify optimizing and standardizing supplies and equipment.
2. Follow appropriate procedure for cleaning rooms and equipment with bloodborne pathogens and infection control protocols utilized.
3. Transport patients from Pre-Op Holding to OR when notified. Communicate effectively with patients and visitors by putting patients at ease, answering their questions and being sensitive to their needs.
4. Assist with patient positioning in OR as directed by Circulating Nurse. Practice sterile technique and good body mechanics when moving equipment, instruments and assisting with patient transfers.
5. Maintain effective communication with Care Delivery team members to facilitate a smooth work flow in the OR utilizing appropriate communication devices (i.e. phone, vocera, EPIC, etc.)
6. Assist with retrieving emergency equipment as directed.
7. Obtain specimens from OR personnel, document as necessary and deliver specimens to SMH Lab via pneumatic tube system or in person if specimen necessitate fresh/frozen section or to Medical Imaging as directed. Utilize proper technique in handling specimens.
8. Perform routine support tasks as assigned by the Assistant Clinical Manager or OR Registered Nurse
a. Transport and open sterile supplies and instruments utilizing sterile technique.
b. Transfer surgical instruments to decontamination room utilizing aseptic technique.
c. Deliver messages and transport equipment as assigned, cleaning equipment when necessary.
d. Retrieve stretchers/cribs when needed and change linen when appropriate.
e. Stock OR supplies daily to specified levels.
f. Assist Inventory Technician in supply management for sterile corridor and each OR.
g. Fill in for Anesthesia Assistant when absent , stocking anesthesia machines in each OR daily.
h. Stock department linen and fluid warmers as needed.
i. Stock Steris machines and carts with necessary supplies.
j. Dispose of linen and garbage according to protocol using aseptic technique.
k. Maintain system for cycling carts and equipment through cart washer as necessary.
l. Manage Neptune waste disposal system. Ability to operate Bemis waste disposal system.
9. Works as a team member to facilitate department efficiencies.
10. Maintain CPR certification and responds as directed to emergency situations.
11. Assisting other departments as needed.