PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION
The purpose of a Surgery Attendant is to transport patients, assist the professional nursing staff with direct patient care, and general housekeeping duties.
JOB DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identifies flow of daily schedules to anticipate needs of assigned OR suite, prioritizes tasks, manages time appropriately, and meets or exceeds productivity standards.
- Identifies proper selection of OR tables based on patient position, surgery type, and weight, and ensures correct utilization of OR equipment and supplies.
- Demonstrates understanding of sterile techniques for preparation and completion of surgical procedures, including proper hand scrubbing, gowning, gloving, hair clipping, and surgical antisepsis.
- Demonstrates understanding of proper cleaning techniques specific to the operating room and recognizes proper sterilization of surgical instruments prior to opening.
- Utilizes effective communication with all departments to transfer information necessary for continuous patient care.
- Wears and maintains proper handling of vocera and pager.
- Demonstrates understanding of body mechanics for transport and positioning of patients.
- Assists anesthesia and the nurse in proper positioning and prevention of skin and tissue injury.
- Responsible for patient care and safety, complies with National Patient Safety Goals and other regulatory requirements, reports safety concerns promptly, and takes action to correct risks.
- Properly demonstrates appropriate use of the laser and ensures patient and associate safety during laser procedures.
- Promotes a clean, safe working environment through safe transport and disposal of biohazardous items.
- Assists with OR room turnover by disassembling the room after use, gathering trash, disposing of fluids, assisting with washing/sanitizing equipment, and preparing equipment needed for the next case.
- Labels and reports malfunctioning equipment to the charge nurse once it has been removed from service.
- Responsible for OR stocking of supplies in room cabinets and notifies appropriate staff when items are low.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must obtain BLS certification within 90 days of hire.
- Able to follow instructions, verbal and written, in English.
- Position requires on‑call duties, requiring arrival at the facility within 30 minutes after being contacted by hospital personnel.
- Positive service‑oriented interpersonal and communication skills required.
- Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his/her assigned unit/department. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the lifespan and possess the ability to assess data reflective of patient status, interpret appropriate information to identify each patient’s requirements relative to age‑specific needs, and provide care as described in the area’s policies and procedures.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires a full range of body motion with intermittent activities in sitting, walking, lifting, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, and standing. The associate must help transport patients and be able to lift 50 pounds or more. The individual must have excellent eye/hand coordination with the ability to grasp, push and pull, fine finger dexterity and manipulation. The associate must be able to reach work above the shoulders and operate foot controls. This position requires corrected vision and hearing in the normal range. The associate must have excellent verbal skills to communicate with patients, physicians, and co‑workers.
This position is classified “at risk” for possible occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc.).