The surgical services nursing assistant is an integral part of the surgical team working to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical and other invasive procedures. The primary responsibility of the position is to provide assistance to surgical teams in the areas of patient transport and positioning. Additionally, the nursing assistant contributes to the maintenance of an environment which provides the resources needed to conduct surgical and other invasive procedures. The nursing assistant, along with other members of the perioperative team, utilizes resources in a cost effective manner in an environment that promotes continuous quality improvement.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Education: This position requires a minimum education of a high school diploma or equivalent
Experience : One year of previous experience in a medically related setting is desired. The incumbent must possess the ability to communicate with a variety of team members and exhibit behaviors which promote excellent customer service.
MAKING ELLIS EXCEPTIONAL (MEE) BEHAVIORS & STANDARDS
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:
Clinical Practice:

• Assume patient transportation responsibilities to and from the surgical suites and as assigned.
• Identify all patients to be transported by calling name and checking arm bands.
• Transfer patient from bed to the stretcher safely with the assistance of the nursing staff member.
• Escort patient to the Operating Room with assisting onto the OR bed, under the direction of the circulator and/or surgeon.
• Transport patient record from unit to the Surgical Area.
• Observe patient's appearance and immediately report any unusual occurrence.
• Clean, prepare and maintain stretchers between patients.
• Respect patient's privacy making provision for such at all times.
• Stock and replenish supplies within the surgical area, sterile supply room, each OR suite, sterile pack carts, and instrument room.
• Work with other team members to turn over room between cases.
• Set up of next case including, but not limited to equipment, sterile supplies, and specialty items if applicable.
• Maintain small equipment and instrumentation in good working order.
• Check all supplies to provide that they are not outdated.
• Maintain supply and change oxygen, nitrous, and carbon dioxide tanks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide dispatch services to other areas of the hospital, including, but not limited to Central Supply, Laboratory, Blood Bank, and Radiology.
• Transport specimens to Pathology and Radiology.
• Keep the Director of Materials apprised of equipment and instrumentation needs and repairs.
• Maintain a clean, neat, and safe working environment.
• Possess a working knowledge of and maintain all unit equipment.
• Assess the need for servicing, repairs, preventative maintenance.
• Provide care to reflect the varying ages and needs of a diverse population over the full course of the patient's life span.
• Possess the ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of the patient's needs.
• Possess the knowledge of human growth and development and an understanding of the range of treatment needed by patients of different ages.
• Maintain and develop professional/technical knowledge, including attendance at hospital and outside educational programs.
• Utilize time effectively.
• Constantly strive to improve every process by which work is accomplished.
• Possess the ability to work under stress, accept responsibility and use good judgment.
• Maintain interpersonal relationships in a positive manner.
• Consistently adapts to new or unusual situations without affecting performance or work procedures within the department.
• Develops and maintains good working relationships with other department personnel, outside agencies, medical staff, superiors, subordinates and others, utilizing the philosophy of customer service and the culture dictated by the organization's mission.
• Communicates effectively and appropriately with members of the hospital family.
• Works well and in a positive manner with the immediate members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Attends staff meetings per hospital and scheduling guidelines.
• Adhere to all Patient Safety Initiatives mandated by Joint Commission.
• Performs various other related job duties as may be deemed necessary and appropriate or as may be directed by Department Manager.

• (Nott Street campus only) The nursing assistant reviews the daily operative schedule and determines, with the assistance of the charge nurse, the needs for inpatient postoperative beds and, in cooperation with the unit clerk, facilitates acquisition. Unused stretchers are returned to the ambulatory surgery area.
• Specimens are transported to the appropriate laboratory departments at designated times and as directed. Specimens are matched with corresponding lab slips and recorded patient information. Chain of custody is documented. Receipt of specimens in the lab is verified with the lab tech and documented.
• Performs decontamination and immediate use steam sterilization activities, within the unit, as described in the Ellis Medicine competency tool Sterilization and High-level Disinfection
• Equipment and instruments are transported to the sterile processing department or the Bruggerman Center, as appropriate, following procedures in closed containers or case carts. Open communication is maintained with the receiving department
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures related to:
  • Mandatory Education
  • Annual Health Assessment

Salary Range: $16.08-$21.07/hour Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.