OR Perioperative Assistant I - Labor & Delivery

SUMMARY:

Performs nonprofessional direct and indirect care activities under the supervision of a registered professional nurse.  Assists in the provision of high quality, cost-effective care by performing delegated tasks.  Performs preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative support activities to assist the nursing team caring for surgical/procedural patients. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative support activities to assist the nursing team caring for surgical/procedural patients which may include total care within scope of practice (stable patient’s vital sign, activities of daily living, promotion of comfort) and the performance of point of care testing.  Reports changes in patient’s condition to a RN.

Utilizes appropriate aseptic technique to open sterile supplies for patient use or for sterile field; performs shave preps; and holds extremities during surgical or procedural preps.

Transports patients to and from various areas.  Cleans transport devices.  Assists with patient transfers and positioning.

Maintains effective inventory control system including daily stocking, checks for out-dates, and monitoring of supply/specialty carts/rooms.  Places or returns supplies, instrumentation, and equipment to designated storage locations.

Assists in maintaining a clean, sanitary, and safe work environment through the maintenance of egress corridors; organization and cleaning of work areas, storerooms, patient bays, computers , and monitors; performance of post-case/post-care cleaning following established policies; performance of terminal and isolation cleaning if necessary including the daily/weekly cleaning of mobile fluid-waste equipment; cleaning/ stocking of scrub sinks/housekeeping carts; and cleaning/ stocking of warmers and autoclaves.  Includes the cleaning and preparation of work area for next shift.

Processes instruments/scopes when requested as the need arises.  

Prepares various cleaning solutions used in the decontamination of instruments, equipment, and rooms.  

Operates processing and cleaning equipment following established policies and documents in designated log books completion of cleaning tasks.

Transports specimens and records specimen delivery in designated log books.  Adds fixative to specimens when needed.

Provides respiratory support by properly setting up equipment needed for oxygen administration including the changing of tank regulators and checking of tank volumes.

Follows all departmental policies and procedures including the reporting of equipment/room repairs to appropriate personnel and departments

Assists in routine unit operations as directed/needed to assure smooth communication and functioning of the unit.  

Relays accurate telephone, visitor, patient, and healthcare provider messages to appropriate persons in a timely manner.

Transports linens, trash, and bio hazardous case carts/materials according to established polices wearing PPE and ensuring correct signage is in place prior to transport.

Assists with room and may monitor sterile field set-up when directed by registered nurse.

Prepares room with team including obtaining equipment/supplies/instruments needs, readying OR table (appropriateness, vac pac…) appropriately aligning all necessary supplies to anticipated procedure as advised by surgical team.

Provides first level trouble-shooting of equipment.

Provides a positive image in performance, conduct and appearance

Effective, professional communication skills in all interactions

Maintains current knowledge of role through attendance at all mandatory educational programs

Applies principles of infection control and safety, including proper handling, cleaning, and or disposal of equipment/supplies used in all cases.

Demonstrates safe use of equipment and checks equipment, supplies and beds for proper functioning.

Knowledgeable and capable of reading and interpreting the surgeon preference card.

Understanding of sterilization and processing standards.

Competent in advanced equipment transport (ie. Robots, xray...)

Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with radiation safety and monitors lead for compliance

Competent in advanced equipment transport (ie. Robots, xray, anesth. machines...).

Recognizes the need and adherence to controlled room temperature, humidity and ventilation and properly responds immediately to any and all incidents of non-compliance and ensures compliance throughout the day.

Assists as directed by the RN with the surgical set up.

Follows UVA protocol and performs terminal cleaning.

Removes IVs and empties drains & foleys as directed by the RN.

Anesthesia support skills; cleaning machines, supplies, stocking and setting up machine

Patient care intraoperatively: preparing casting, assisting casting, skin preparation

Appropriately buffers floors on a weekly basis

Serves as preceptor to ORA I and ORA II

Adheres to TMC organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values policies and standards.

Performs related duties assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent

EXPERIENCE:  Two (2) year of related experience.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of healthcare practices and procedures.

• Knowledgeable and capable of reading and interpreting the surgeon preference card.

• Knowledge of sterilization and processing standards.

• Knowledge of advanced equipment transport (ie. Robots, xray...)

• Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with radiation safety and monitors lead for compliance

• Knowledge Competent in advanced equipment transport (ie. Robots, xray, anesth. machines...).

• Demonstrates knowledge and compliance with radiation safety and monitors lead for compliance

• Skill in attention to detail and following schedules to ensure proper set up and equipment are ready for the next procedure.

• Ability to read or listen and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

• Ability to write simple correspondence.

• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.