Surgical Assistant - Per Diem

Northern Light Health; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 26,174 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine, is seeking a Surgical Assistant to support the OR team. The role involves preparing rooms for surgery, stocking supplies, locating instruments, and assisting in transporting patients to the OR.

The position is PRN (pool/per diem) with a 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM schedule and requires alert, safety‑driven teamwork. Responsibilities include assembling surgical suites, restocking linen and supplies, reporting equipment issues to the RN Lead or Nurse

Qualifications

• Assists in preparing rooms for surgery and maintaining supplies.
• Assembles/disassembles surgical suites and locates instruments for each case.
• Reports difficulties with supplies or equipment to the RN Lead or Nurse Manager.
• Assists in moving, lifting, and positioning of patients.

Responsibilities

• Assembles/disassembles surgical suites, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures.
• Orders supplies through Infor, restocking sub sterile areas, fluid cabinets, cleaning supplies, and other materials as needed.
• Restocks linen in designated areas.
• Removes trash, linen, contaminated waste from OR suites upon completion of each case.
• Washes the floors and surgical tables according to protocols upon completion of each case and assists with bed set up.
• Assists with moving of equipment to and from ORs.
• Reports difficulties with supplies or equipment to the Clinical RN Lead or the Nurse Manager.
• Assists in moving, lifting, and positioning of patients.

Skills

Surgical assistance

OR teamwork

Patient transport

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Northern Light Mercy Hospital |US:ME:Portland | Surgical Services | PRN

Salary range- 19.27-22.46 USD

Description

The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, such as differentials, incentive programs and benefits.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Department:Operating Room

Position is located: Mercy Fore River

Work Schedule:7:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Salary Range : $ 19.27 - $22.46

Exempt: No

Summary:

The Surgical Assistant supports and works with other members of the OR team in preparing rooms for surgery, cleaning rooms between patients, stocking/maintaining supplies, picking instruments for cases, and locating equipment/instruments as needed. As needed, the Surgical Assistant may be required to assist in transporting an inpatient to the Operating Room. Playing a key role on the surgical team, the SA is accountable for his/her actions and role to assure safe, quality care to those we serve, whether through support or direct action.

The incumbent may have access to highly confidential patient, employee and/or Mercy proprietary information, and must handle & protect the information in accordance with hospital & system policies, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for reporting all security events, potential events, or other security risks to the organization. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Mercy Hospital.

Responsibilities

Assembles/disassembles surgical suites, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures:

• Able to assemble and locate the appropriate instruments and equipment for each case.
• Orders supplies through Infor, restocking sub sterile areas, fluid cabinets, cleaning supplies, and other materials as needed.
• Restocks linen in designated areas.
• Removes trash, linen, contaminated waste from OR suites upon completion of each case.
• Washes the floors and surgical tables according to protocols upon completion of each case and assists with bed set up.
• Assists with moving of equipment to and from ORs.
• Reports difficulties with supplies or equipment to the Clinical RN Lead or the Nurse Manager.
• Assists in moving, lifting, and positioning of patients.

The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, such as differentials, incentive programs and benefits.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Department:Operating Room

Position is located: Mercy Fore River

Work Type:PRN (Pool/Per Diem)

Hours Per Week: Variable

Work Schedule:7:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Salary Range : $ 19.27 - $22.46

Exempt: No

Summary:

The Surgical Assistant supports and works with other members of the OR team in preparing rooms for surgery, cleaning rooms between patients, stocking/maintaining supplies, picking instruments for cases, and locating equipment/instruments as needed. As needed, the Surgical Assistant may be required to assist in transporting an inpatient to the Operating Room. Playing a key role on the surgical team, the SA is accountable for his/her actions and role to assure safe, quality care to those we serve, whether through support or direct action.

The incumbent may have access to highly confidential patient, employee and/or Mercy proprietary information, and must handle & protect the information in accordance with hospital & system policies, HIPAA requirements and the highest level of ethical standards. The incumbent is responsible for reporting all security events, potential events, or other security risks to the organization. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position and conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Mercy Hospital.

Responsibilities

Assembles/disassembles surgical suites, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures:

• Able to assemble and locate the appropriate instruments and equipment for each case.
• Orders supplies through Infor, restocking sub sterile areas, fluid cabinets, cleaning supplies, and other materials as needed.
• Restocks linen in designated areas.
• Removes trash, linen, contaminated waste from OR suites upon completion of each case.
• Washes the floors and surgical tables according to protocols upon completion of each case and assists with bed set up.
• Assists with moving of equipment to and from ORs.
• Reports difficulties with supplies or equipment to the Clinical RN Lead or the Nurse Manager.
• Assists in moving, lifting, and positioning of patients.

Works cooperatively with other team members to facilitate departmental operations

• Assists with transporting patients to the operating room, if needed.
• Transports lab specimens between the OR and Lab.
• Obtains blood products from Blood Bank as directed, for procedures.
• Assists with orientation of new employees.
• Communicates with Sterile Processing Department on additional instrument needs for the following day.
• Prioritizes tasks and manages time appropriately.

Accepts responsibility for further development

• Participates in continuing education programs for department employees.
• Participates in facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
• Attends scheduled in-services in the OR on a regular basis and other programs as required or assigned.
• Actively participates and attends six scheduled staff meetings per year.

Demonstrates behaviors consistent with organizational mission, goals and policies

• Demonstrates practices which keep all medical record information protected and confidential.
• Follows and adheres to Patient Rights policies at all times.
• Takes accountability for information contained in the department and hospital procedural manuals.

Other Duties

Other Information

• Healthcare Provider/Professional Rescuer certification is required.

Competencies and Skills

• Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
• Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
• Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
• Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
• Human Capital, Supply Chain and Financial Software.
• Multi-line phone, scanner, photocopier, fax, and internet.
• Promotes Health and Safety: Promotes a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors. Advocates and models healthy physical and mental health behaviors even in challenging circumstances. Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance by reporting and encouraging others to report near misses and safety issues.
• Resolves Conflict: Promptly acts to find alternatives/solutions when team members disagree. Addresses issues in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Handles conflicting interests diplomatically and helps to solve them. Transforms difficult situations into teachable moments using respect and accountability.
• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Education

• Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
• Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
• Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
• Potential exposure to noxious odors.
• Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
• Lifting, moving and loading 30 to 50 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Prolonged periods of standing.
• Prolonged periods of walking.
• Lifting, moving and loading less than 20 pounds.
• Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital is a nonprofit acute care hospital in Portland, Maine, and a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas . Our work is grounded in compassion, dignity, and service, with a commitment to caring for every member of our community, especially those most in need. At Mercy, people come to work knowing their role matters. Whether at the bedside, in support services, administration, or clinical care, every team member contributes to a culture built on respect, collaboration, and purpose.

We provide a broad range of medical and surgical services, along with multiple primary and specialty care offerings and community-based programs that extend our impact beyond the hospital walls. As a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system, employees benefit from the stability, resource, and career pathways of a larger organization while working in a hospital that feels personal and connected. Team members have opportunities to grow professionally, explore new roles, and build long-term careers in an environment focused on quality, innovation, and the well-being of our workforce.

Mercy Hospital is located in Portland, Maine’s largest and most vibrant city, offering an exceptional quality of life that attracts people from across the country. Portland is nationally recognized for its food scene, arts and culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. Within minutes of the city, you can reach beaches, islands, lakes, and mountain trails, with easy access to hiking, skiing, boating, and cycling. The region also offers excellent schools, family‑friendly neighborhoods, and easy travel connections through Portland International Jetport and nearby rail service to Boston. Southern Maine blends career opportunity with a lifestyle centered on balance, outdoor recreation, and coastal living, making it an ideal place to live and build a career.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, protected veteran status, national origin, genetic information or any other legally protected status.

Portland, Maine, Catholic, Sisters of Mercy, Level 2 NeoNatal Nursery