Summary

Position Summary

In the Perioperative Department, the Perioperative Assistant, under general and RN supervision, assists the nursing staff in receiving, caring for, transporting patients and environmental cleaning within the OR. Consistent and effective utilization of infection prevention techniques according to AORN standards.  Demonstrates ability to organize time evidenced by completion of work assignments within shift. Performs assigned duties to assist the nursing staff in safe, efficient delivery of patient care.  Collaborates with leadership in developing and implementing the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare system’s culture, vision, mission and goals.

 Within the Operating Room the perioperative assistant is also responsible for preparation of the operating rooms and/or associated surgery related areas for surgical procedures. Maintaining a safe and sanitary environment by performing cleaning and disinfecting tasks, proper instrumentation storage, management of surgical equipment, stocking supplies and managing surgical case carts according to hospital/department policy and procedures. Reports to and receives direction from Nurse Manager and Lead Perioperative Tech associate at the beginning of shift. Assists the Charge nurse or nursing managers with various resources as requested. Demonstrates ability to organize time evidenced by completion of work assignments within shift.

Minimum Requirements

 Education

• High School Education or Equivalent

Experience

• N/A

License/Registration/Certifications  

• BLS

Preferred Requirements

Preferred Education

• Some college level course work

Preferred Experience

• Six months experience in a health care setting

Preferred License/Registration/Certifications  

• BLS

Core Job Responsibilities

All Perioperative Assistants within the Perioperative Department will:

• Successfully completes hospital and unit-based orientation programs
• Successfully completes annual hospital and unit-based required competencies and education
• Adapts to changing patient and unit needs including but not limited to offering assistance to other team members, floating throughout the perioperative areas, adjusting assignments, etc.
• Adheres to surgical attire dress code, safety and policy/procedure requirements, and infection prevention standard precautions.
• Answers the telephone and/or Vocera in a courteous manner.
• Any additional appropriately delegated tasked assigned by Nursing Management, Charge Nurse or Staff Nurse
• Assist with CPR if needed per BLS protocol
• Assists, as requested, in orienting and mentoring new personnel.
• Assures comfort and safety of patients and directs questions to the appropriate person.
• Attends in-service training programs and other relevant courses for professional development.
• Attends to the immediate needs of the perioperative nursing within the perioperative department as delegated.
• Cleans and sanitizes work areas and equipment rooms.
• Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care is provided.
• Demonstrate knowledge of when to use and how to use the ultraviolet lights for additional room disinfection
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency to respond to OR fires.  Knowledgeable of general fire rules and location of alarms and extinguishers.
• Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate infection prevention strategies to prevent surgical site infections
• Demonstrates knowledge of standard and transmission-based precautions to reduce the risk of cross-contamination by using appropriate disinfectant according to pathogen present in the environment.
• Meets continuing education requirements, demonstrates knowledge of and ensures compliance with all clinical expectations of regulatory agency requirements (DNV, DHEC, CMS)
• Disposes of contaminated materials in accordance with hospital procedures and protocols
• Empties dirty linen hampers.
• Empties trash receptacles in all perioperative areas
• Establish and maintain good interpersonal relationships with patient/family and other hospital personnel.
• Identifies and transports patients to and from nursing units, treatment/testing areas, and/or operating rooms; maintains patient’s privacy, safety and dignity while performing these duties.
• Initiates clean-up of biological spills according to procedure and hospital policy.
• Is consistently punctual and shows a responsible and dependable pattern of attendance and adherence to hours of work requirements.
• Monitors, collects and documents data, as instructed
• Participates in staff meetings, department/unit initiatives, quality improvement projects and cost containment activities as needed.
• Prioritizes and organizes patient care functions to facilitate transport of equipment, specimens and/or supplies
• Recognizes the importance of hand hygiene and performs appropriate hand hygiene techniques
• Replace sharp receptacles per policy
• Replaces all empty gas tanks when needed and appropriately secures tanks to patient beds and/or within proper closets by using correct safety measures.
• Responsible for preparation of Pre-Admission Testing charts and scanning documentation into EPIC as appropriate
• Responds promptly to O.R. overhead and Vocera pages and emergency situations (including “code” situations) in the OR to transport specimens, facilitate telephone messages, replace emergency equipment as needed and retrieve equipment.  Includes trauma situations.
• Responsible for checking and restocking warming cabinets with blankets and/or saline as needed.
• Responsible for demonstrating competency for all new equipment and procedures
• Responsible for holding extremities during surgical preps, lifts, moves and assists in positioning of patients utilizing proper body mechanics and maintains proper body alignment
• Responsible for identifying items to be cleaned; appropriately cleaning & disinfecting these items, especially all high touch objects.
• Responsible for reporting hazards to appropriate persons and initiates corrective action within the scope of her/his role.
• Supports on time start initiatives. Performs duties efficiently, completely, effectively and in a timely manner.
• Transfers patients to and from bed, stretchers and/or operating room tables utilizing prescribed positioning techniques.
• Transports patients on transmission-based precautions utilizing appropriate techniques.
• Transports, retrieves and delivers equipment, supplies, specimens (including “STAT” specimens), reports, and any other items to and from storage areas and patient care units, as directed by nursing/unit staff and as needed.

Additional Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Specific Perioperative Assistant Responsibilities:

• Assists with the emptying of drains and foleys catheters
• Participates in resolution of concerns or problems and supports patient experience initiatives
• Performs finger-stick blood sugar (FSBS) as delegated by nursing personal
• Performs Unit Secretary duties to support overall efficiency and effective flow of communications and information throughout the department
• Responsible for completing requisition forms for supply reordering and reconciles supply orders upon delivery

Additional Operating Room Specific Perioperative Assistant Responsibilities:

• Assists in the set-up of surgical equipment and supplies per case requirements.
• Demonstrates knowledge in maintenance of the sterility of the surgical field and conducts movements within the operating room to prevent contamination of the sterile field.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the appropriate use of the ultraviolet light after transmission-based precaution cases within the OR.
• Disposes of and/or cleans non-critical equipment and supplies from surgical case.
• Enters computer documentation of surgical suite turnover processes in Epic for data analysis.
• Follows hospital protocols and guidelines regarding the disinfection of equipment.
• Maintains and organizes the equipment storage areas.
• Maintains the cleanliness of specialty and general equipment in all perioperative areas.
• Manages case cart scanning / inventory process and transports contaminated carts to Sterile Processing Department
• Obtains required equipment for each surgery including carts, video equipment, and positioning devices as requested by OR circulator, OR charge nurse, nurse manager or medical staff.
• Prepares O.R. tables for each use per physician’s preference.
• Promptly cleans and handles turnover of the OR rooms between cases and at the end of the day, including but not limited to terminal cases, scrub and sub-sterile rooms, including lights, cords, mayo stands, etc., and other support areas utilizing decontamination techniques in accordance with department procedures and practice
• Promptly reports monitoring alarms such as door alarms, med gas, blanket warmer, Bone and tissue freezer and electrical alarms.
• Responsible for learning to set up the all Maquet OR Table systems and other specialty beds.
• Responsible for monitoring turnover cleaning supplies and reports low par levels to the purchasing tech.
• Responsible for restocking the following items: soaps, preps, hand-cleaners, gloves, safety straps and masks, shoe covers and caps within each OR room and above each scrub sink as needed
• Responsible for the docking, emptying and/or replacing of electronic or wall suction devices
• Routinely maintains a safe and clean environment in the hallways, OR rooms, lounges, supply areas, holding area, scrub sinks, and bathrooms including routine sanitation.
• Stores clean linen to appropriate par level on the linen cart and in each OR
• Transports blood, blood products, tissue and specimens to and from O.R. following correct procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this job classification. They are not to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities of people so assigned.

Additional Information

Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (SRHS) offers a full spectrum of services through six hospital campuses: Spartanburg Medical Center, Spartanburg Medical Center — Mary Black Campus, Pelham Medical Center, Cherokee Medical Center, Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care and Union Medical Center. SRHS also includes Ellen Sagar Nursing Center and Woodruff Manor. SRHS provides unparalleled cancer care through Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute, with locations in Spartanburg, Greer, Union and Gaffney. The multidisciplinary Medical Group of the Carolinas has more than 600 physicians across Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina. SRHS employs more than 9,000 associates and offers outpatient surgery centers and a Level I Trauma Center.

Founded on Aug. 29, 1921, as Spartanburg General Hospital, Spartanburg Regional celebrates over 100 years of excellence.

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