Operating Room Assistant

RWJBarnabas Health; Belleville (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking an Operating Room Support Specialist to assist the surgical team and maintain a sterile, well-organized OR environment. The role emphasizes meticulous room preparation, aseptic technique, and timely turnover between procedures.

As part of a dedicated team, you will support patient care delivery, manage supplies, and help ensure safety and efficiency in a fast-paced surgical setting. A high school diploma or GED is required, with scrub tech experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED.
• Scrub technician experience highly preferred.
• Prior OR experience required.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgical team under RN supervision to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Perform meticulous room setups and prepare the surgical environment for procedures.
• Execute intensive case turnover and cleaning between procedures, sanitize surfaces, and prepare the room.
• Maintain asepsis throughout operations to ensure a sterile environment in the OR.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and readiness for the surgical team.
• Monitor and manage OR supply levels and transport needed items as requested.
• Support the team by locating and delivering supplies, equipment, and case carts.
• Assist with patient positioning to support safe workflows and provider needs.
• Participate in Performance Improvement activities to elevate care and safety standards.

Skills

Operating room experience

Asepsis principles

Teamwork

Detail oriented

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Title: Operating Room Assistant

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center

Department Name: Operating Room

Req #: 0000272553

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range:$23.25 - $24.48 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Operating Room (OR) Support Specialist - RWJBarnabas Health

At RWJBarnabas Health, Operating Room Support Specialists become part of a purpose-driven environment where teamwork, precision, and exceptional patient care create meaningful experiences every day. This OR Support Specialist role offers opportunities for growth, supportive collaboration, and a culture committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. As an Operating Room Support Specialist, you will play an essential role in supporting the surgical team, enhancing patient safety, and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and readiness across our surgical environment. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every team member is encouraged to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.

A typical day for an Operating Room Support Specialist may include:

• Assisting the surgical team and OR staff with patient care activities under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) to ensure safety and efficiency
• Performing meticulous room setups and preparing the surgical environment exactly as required for the next scheduled procedure
• Executing intensive case turnover and cleaning between procedures, including changing sheets, sanitizing surfaces, and preparing the room swiftly
• Applying strict Principles of Asepsis at all times when operating within the surgical suite to maintain a safe, sterile environment
• Maintaining equipment cleanliness, safety, and immediate readiness for the surgical team
• Managing inventory by monitoring and maintaining optimal supply levels within the OR rooms and sub-sterile areas
• Acting as a dependable resource for the team by locating and delivering needed supplies, equipment, and case carts
• Performing vital transport tasks for patients, supplies, equipment, and other requests assigned by the clinical team
• Assisting with proper patient positioning to support safe clinical workflows and provider needs
• Contributing to a collaborative environment by participating in Performance Improvement (PI) activities to elevate care and safety standards

This role might be for you if:

• You know your way around the operating room and feel confident navigating a fast-paced surgical environment
• Attention to detail and a commitment to strict aseptic principles define how you maintain clinical spaces
• You take pride in execution, efficiency, and thoroughness during intensive room cleanings and setups
• Collaborative teamwork under RN supervision is something you value and actively contribute to every day
• Adaptability allows you to manage changing surgical schedules while maintaining high professionalism
• Exceptional support and anticipating the needs of the surgical team are important to you
• Continuous learning and participating in quality improvement initiatives motivate you

To be considered for this Operating Room Support Specialist opportunity, you are passionate about delivering exceptional care support while maintaining a safe, efficient environment for every surgical procedure.

• This position offers a consistent Monday through Friday schedule on the day shift from 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
• You possess a strong working knowledge of the operating room environment, with prior experience working in the Operating Room required.
• Scrub technician experience is highly preferred for this role to best support the needs of the surgical team.
• You hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent