Operating Room Assistant at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

Position Summary

Watauga Medical Center is seeking a dedicated and proactive individual to join our team as an Operating Room (OR) Assistant. In this vital role, you will provide essential support to the surgical team before, during, and after surgical procedures, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the operating room. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to upholding patient safety and quality care standards. Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the preparation of the operating room before surgical procedures, including setting up surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies according to established protocols and surgeon preferences.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team during procedures and provide timely assistance, such as passing instruments, holding retractors, and maintaining a sterile field as directed by the surgeon or surgical technologist.
• Collaborate with circulating nurses and surgical technologists to ensure proper positioning of patients on the operating table and placement of surgical drapes and sterile barriers.
• Transport patients to and from the operating room, ensuring their comfort and safety during transfer and positioning on the surgical table.
• Assist with the cleaning and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment after procedures, following infection control guidelines and departmental policies.
• Stock and replenish supplies in the operating room, including surgical trays, linens, and disposable items, to maintain adequate inventory levels and support efficient workflow.
• Adhere to strict aseptic techniques and infection control practices to prevent surgical site infections and maintain a safe and sterile environment in the operating room.
• Maintain accurate documentation of surgical procedures, instrument counts, and patient care activities in electronic health records (EHR) or designated systems as required.
• Participate in team huddles, debriefings, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance communication, teamwork, and patient outcomes in the operating room.
• Attend training sessions and continuing education programs to stay updated on best practices, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements related to operating room procedures.

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with education and experience. Hiring compensation ranges from $15.00 - $21.75 / hour.This position is benefits eligible after a 60-day waiting period. Position Qualifications Minimum Education

• High School diploma or GED is preferred.

Experience

• Previous experience in an operating room or surgical setting preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification

• Completion of the OR Assistant program within 1 year from date of hire is required and provided by the organization.
• Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile techniques.
• Strong organizational skills with effective task prioritization.
• Excellent attention to detail and accurate adherence to instructions.
• Good physical stamina and dexterity for patient positioning and equipment handling.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills for teamwork.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Knowledge of infection control protocols and commitment to sterility.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication purposes.

Physical Demands

• Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Working Conditions

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals and specimens, and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
• Frequently per shift lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.