OR Assistant

Reports to: OR Manager | Classification: Non-Exempt | OSHA Category I (exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissue)

About the Role

As an Operating Room Assistant, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and safe operation of our surgical procedures. You will provide support to the surgical team, surgeons, and nurses, ensuring that the operating room functions efficiently and that patients receive the highest level of care.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain the operating room for surgical procedures, ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies are readily available.
• Assist in the positioning of patients for surgery and provide physical and emotional support as needed.
• Sterilize and prepare surgical instruments and equipment.
• Hand instruments to the surgical team during procedures, maintaining a sterile field at all times.
• Assist in transporting patients to and from the operating room.
• Maintain a clean and organized operating room environment.
• Adhere to infection control and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with the surgical team to ensure the efficient flow of the surgical process.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience as a surgical technologist or operating room assistant is preferred.
• Knowledge of aseptic techniques and infection control.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to adhere to hospital policies and protocols.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily an active position requiring walking, bending, stooping, crawling, squatting, and lifting up to 50 pounds (at times up to 75 pounds).
• Potential for long periods of standing.
• Must have visual acuity and manual dexterity to interface with computers and other facility operating systems.
• Must have auditory acuity to effectively interact with patients and the public.

Schedule

Regular schedule is based on patient volume and surgical schedule, set by Nursing Management prior to the shift’s start.

Data Access & Compliance

• Requires access to Protected Health Information (PHI) limited to the minimum necessary for job duties (e.g., claim processing, patient admissions).
• Complies with HIPAA requirements by protecting the confidentiality of PHI and accessing only required information.
• Handles confidential patient data, including medical records, treatment, and financial information.
• May access restricted, legally protected, and sensitive medical data (e.g., HIV, mental health/substance abuse treatment, sexually transmitted diseases, physical or sexual abuse).