PERIOPERATIVE ASSISTANT

About the role

The Perioperative Assistant works as an integral part of the healthcare team, responsible for maintaining a safe environment in which quality patient care is delivered. He/she works under the direct supervision of the Service Line Coordinators or the O.R. Clinical Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the area, equipment and level of supplies.
  • Restocks blanket and fluid warmers.
  • Unpacks and stocks weekly stores orders.
  • Removes used supplies to CPR and obtains new supplies from Stores as directed.
  • Cleans shelves and carts weekly at minimum as designated.
  • Washes stretchers between each patient's use and places a clean bath blanket on the stretcher.
  • Bridges stretchers to the OR area as needed.
  • Keeps an adequate supply of clean, made-up stretchers available.
  • Orders and transports O2 and other gas cylinders.
  • Maintains proper cylinder storage.
  • Outdates all fluids in fluid warmers.
• Performs a variety of assisting and servicing activities, both with the patients and to help maintain the area.
  • Assists with lifting, moving and positioning patients at the nurse's request.
  • Assists with patient transport to the ICUs and returns and maintains transport monitors.
  • Transports in-house patients to the O.R., if needed, as directed by unit secretary.
  • Assists Environmental personnel and staff in turning room over.
  • Affirms that all equipment is returned to proper location.
  • Answers the telephone whenever the unit clerk is not in the room, taking messages and finding the appropriate nurse to take lab values or reports.
  • Ability to safely assemble equipment such as fracture table, Jackson Table, etc.
  • Reorders and maintains supply of Jackson Table padding.
  • Maintains inventory level of specified stock items within the O.R. according to guidelines.
  • Insures delivery of specimens and blood products to and from the laboratory and radiology as directed by nursing personnel.
• Provides and gives cooperative and courteous service to patients, staff, visitors and others as part of the organization's commitment to quality services.
  • Interacts with all others in a considerable, helpful and courteous manner as established by departmental practice and procedure.
  • Maintains composure during stressful situations.
  • Maintains confidentiality of designated hospital and patient information at all times as observed by staff and Nurse Manager.
  • Presents a neat appearance in appropriate dress and identification as required by position, department and hospital policy.
• Works effectively as part of the health care team to facilitate the unit's ability to meet its goals and objectives.
  • The Perioperative Assistant is an integral part of the turnover team: cleans rooms and equipment according to established infection control policies and procedures.
  • Understands the importance and practice of isolation/precautions.
  • Ability to perform pre op shave prep on surgical patients as directed, according to established guidelines.
  • Performs all responsibilities/duties required by the patient as defined in the scope of service, to assure that the unique nature of the client is addressed.
    • Transports or moves patients with appropriate awareness of uniqueness of patient, ranging from infant to adult.
  • Technology – Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.
    • Mets the technological requirements of the department and unit-specific competencies.
    • Checks all E-Mails on a daily basis.
    • Is able to access Payroll and manage personal clockings and calendar in Time PC application.
  • Safety Awareness – Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.
    • Successfully answers safety questions in annual mandatory education program.
    • Understands individual roles/responsibilities during hospital codes (e.g., Code Green, Code Red).
    • Utilizes proper body mechanics when performing all aspects of job.
    • Operates equipment safely.
    • Maintains a neat, organized work environment.
    • Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job.
    • Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines.
    • Knows where all Fire extinguishers are located throughout the OR.
  • Duties
    • Responsible for the "complete" turnover of each rooms from 0730 to 1730 each day.
      • Cleaning of rooms, equipment, according to established infection control policies and procedures.
    • Removes, cleans and restocks anesthesia supply between each case.

  Requirements

  • Minimum Education - Preferred Graduate from high school preferred
  • Minimum Work Experience Five years minimum work experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
  • Required Additional Knowledge And Abilities Ability to communicate effectively and work in a fast paced environment. Must show initiative, maturity and effectiveness in dealing with people. Appreciation of and desire to be part of a healthcare team.
  • If Required Education if Required: License/Registration/Certification Requirements ACLS (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification - American Heart Association (AHA) (Including courses offered through SSH), Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association (AHA) (Including courses offered through SSH), INSTRUCTOR- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) (Including courses offered through SSH), INSTRUCTOR- Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) (Including courses offered through SSH)