Operating Room Assistant

Operating Room Assistant (OR-A)

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Operating Room | Non-Exempt

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As an Operating Room Assistant (OR-A) at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll play an essential role in supporting surgical teams and ensuring operating rooms are prepared, organized, and ready for procedures. This role directly contributes to patient safety, surgical efficiency, and positive health outcomes.

Working alongside surgeons, nurses, and perioperative staff, you’ll help maintain a sterile environment, manage surgical equipment, and support timely operating room turnover. This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast-paced healthcare environments and are passionate about supporting high-quality patient care.

Compensation: Starting at $16.00 per hour or more, based on education, experience, and internal equity
Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; wellness incentives through the Love Your Life program; Employee-to-Employee (E2E) assistance program; and additional employee discounts. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from new hire orientation.

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone, North Carolina offers exceptional outdoor recreation, vibrant community living, and outstanding quality of life.

What You’ll Do as an Operating Room Assistant Surgical Environment Support

• Prepare and maintain operating rooms before, during, and after surgical procedures.

• Ensure surgical instruments and equipment are clean, sterilized, and properly organized.

• Assist with operating room setup and maintain sterile conditions throughout procedures.

Equipment & Clinical Support

• Assist with safe patient positioning and movement of surgical equipment.

• Support efficient turnover of operating rooms between procedures.

• Serve as a runner for urgent clinical materials such as lab specimens and blood products.

Collaboration & Patient Safety

• Work closely with surgeons, nurses, and surgical staff to support patient care.

• Maintain compliance with infection control standards and safety protocols.

• Respond quickly and accurately to urgent needs or emergencies in the surgical environment.

• Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork aligned with organizational values.

Qualifications Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED preferred

Experience

• Previous experience in an operating room or surgical setting preferred

Licensure & Certifications

• Completion of required in-house orientation and training

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic understanding of surgical instruments and sterile techniques

• Knowledge of operating room procedures and infection control practices

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions precisely

• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities

• Effective communication and teamwork skills

• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move items weighing 50+ pounds

• Extended standing, walking, bending, squatting, and twisting

• Manual dexterity and stamina for assisting with equipment and patient care

• Visual acuity for inspecting surgical instruments and documentation

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and medical waste

• Frequent exposure to chemicals, mechanical equipment, and bodily fluids

• Requires flexibility for irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

• Continuous physical activity throughout extended surgical shifts

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 arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.