PERIOPERATIVE ASSISTANT

Job Description Summary

The Perioperative Assistant works as in 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. The Perioperative Assistant, as needed and as directed, assists nursing staff in the rooms with patient care which includes positioning, transfer of anesthetized patients, supporting of limbs during surgical prep and other duties according to established guidelines. Provides general non–technical assistance to the nursing staff. Responsible for the general maintenance of equipment, room and supplies. Keeps track of equipment out for repair, checking and reporting on status to RN. Keeps track of equipment out for repair, checking and reporting on status to RN.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1 - Maintains the area, equipment and level of supplies.

a - Restocks blanket and fluid warmers.

b - Unpacks and stocks weekly stores orders.

c - Removes used supplies to CPR and obtains new supplies from Stores as directed.

d - Cleans shelves and carts weekly at minimum as designated.

e - Washes stretchers between each patient's use and places a clean bath blanket on the stretcher.

f - Brings stretchers to the OR area as needed.

g - Keeps an adequate supply of clean, made-up stretchers available.

h - Orders and transports O2 and other gas cylinders. Maintains proper cylinder storage.

i - Outdates all fluids in fluid warmers.

2 - Performs a variety of assisting and servicing activities, both with the patients and to help maintain the area.

a - Assists with lifting, moving and positioning patients at the nurse's request.

b - Assists with patient transport to the ICUs and returns and maintains transport monitors.

c - Transports in-house patients to the O.R., if needed, as directed by unit secretary.

d - Assists Environmental personnel and staff in turning room over.

e - Assures that all equipment is returned to proper location.

f - 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.

g - Ability to safely assemble equipment such as fracture table, Jackson Table, etc.

h - Reorders and maintains supply of Jackson Table padding.

i - Maintain inventory level of specified stock items within the O.R. according to guidelines.

j - Insures delivery of specimens and blood products to and from the laboratory and radiology as directed by nursing personnel.

3 - Provides and gives cooperative and courteous service to patients, staff, visitors and others as part of the organization's commitment to quality services.

a - Interacts with all others in a considerable, helpful and courteous manner as established by departmental practice and procedure.

b - Maintains composure during stressful situations.

c - Maintains confidentiality of designated hospital and patient information at all times as observed by staff and Nurse Manager.

d - Presents a neat appearance in appropriate dress and identification as required by position, department and hospital policy.

4 - Works effectively as part of the health care team to facilitate the unit's ability to meet its goals and objectives.

a - The Perioperative Assistant is an integral part of the turnover team: cleans rooms and equipment according to established infection control policies and procedures.
I. Assures that all equipment is appropriately cleaned and free of debris prior to storage.
II. Collaborates with members of the team to see that each O.R. is clean and all equipment is in place.
III. Understands the importance and practice of isolation/precautions.

b - Ability to perform pre op shave prep on surgical patients as directed, according to established guidelines.

c - Assists and collaborates with the RN circulator and Surgical Technologist to set up rooms for surgical procedures with proper equipment, supplies.

5 - 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.

a - Transports or moves patients with appropriate awareness of uniqueness of patient, ranging from infant to adult.

6 - Technology – Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.

a - Meets the technological requirements of the department and unit-specific competencies.

b - Checks all E-Mails on a daily basis.

c - Is able to access Payroll and manage personal clockings and calendar in Time PC application.

7 - Safety Awareness – Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

a - Successfully answers safety questions in annual mandatory education program

b - Understands individual roles/responsibilities during hospital codes (e.g., Code Green, Code Red)

c - Utilizes proper body mechanics when performing all aspects of job

d - Operates equipment safely

e - Maintains a neat, organized work environment

f - Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job

g - Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines

h - Knows where all Fire extinguishers are located throughout the OR.

8 - Responsible for the "complete" turnover of each rooms from 0730 to 1730 each day. Duties included but not limited to:

a - Cleaning of rooms, equipment, according to established infection control policies and procedures.

9 - Removes, cleans and restocks anesthesia supply between each case.

JOB 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.