Operating Room Turnover Technician I

About the role

The Operating Room Turnover Technician (ORTT) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe, timely, and thorough cleaning and preparation of surgical suites between procedures. This position supports patient safety and high-quality care by maintaining aseptic standards, restocking supplies, and assisting the surgical team in preparing the environment for the next case.

Responsibilities

• Room Cleaning & Disinfection
• Perform thorough cleaning and disinfection of operating rooms between surgical cases.
• Follow Hospital infection prevention and control measures.
• Remove soiled linen, instruments, and waste materials in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Disinfect all surfaces, equipment, and high-touch areas to maintain aseptic conditions.
• Safety & Compliance
• Adhere to hospital policies, OSHA standards, and regulatory requirements for handling biohazard materials and chemicals.
• Follow protocols for proper disposal of sharps, regulated medical waste, and contaminated materials.
• Operational Efficiency
• Complete room turnovers within established timeframes to support surgical schedules.
• Participate in department huddles, training, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation of cleaning and turnover activities as required.
• Tech II: Room Setup & Preparation
• Restock surgical suites with necessary supplies, equipment, and sterile items.
• Ensure all OR tables, lights, and equipment are positioned and functioning properly for the next procedure.
• Set up required equipment (e.g., suction, cautery units) according to case needs.
• Tech III: Advanced Turnover Support
• Completes all duties of the Tech II, in addition to:
• Collaboration & Support
• Work closely with circulating nurses, surgical technologists, and anesthesia staff to coordinate efficient room turnover.
• Respond promptly to requests for supplies or equipment needed for upcoming cases.
• Aid in safe transport and positioning of equipment and devices when required.
• Safety & Compliance
• Monitor and report any malfunctioning equipment, safety hazards, or supply shortages.

Qualifications

• Progressive at higher levels
• Infection Control & Safety Knowledge
• Safe handling and disposal of sharps, waste, and biohazard materials
• Proper use of cleaning agents, disinfectants, and PPE
• Technical Competence
• Ability to perform thorough cleaning and turnover of surgical suites
• Familiarity with operating room equipment (tables, lights, suction, cautery units, positioning devices)
• Basic troubleshooting and setup of standard OR support equipment
• Inventory management and restocking of supplies
• Communication & Teamwork
• Clear and respectful communication with nursing, surgical technologists, anesthesia staff, and peers
• Ability to take direction and follow standardized protocols
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to meet surgical schedules
• Training, Mentoring, and Supporting Junior Staff
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Meeting established turnover benchmarks to support surgical case flow
• Documentation of cleaning, equipment checks, and turnover completion
• Coordinating turnover activities across multiple ORs (Tech III)
• Leadership & Development
• Modeling safe practices and high standards of cleanliness
• Leading turnover teams and ensuring compliance with quality standards
• Supporting staff education, onboarding, and competency validation
• Contributing to process improvement initiatives and safety audits

Minimum Education Qualification

• All High school diploma or GED

Minimum Experience Qualification

• Tech I - Non-supervisory: None
• Tech II - Non-supervisory: One (1) year in healthcare environmental services and/or comparable experience
• Tech III - Non-supervisory: Three (3) years in healthcare environmental services and/or comparable experience

Minimum Certification Qualification

• Tech I/II - Current Basic Life Support
• Tech III - Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician (CHEST), Current Basic Life Support

Additional Requirements

• N/A