O.R. Orderly

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Under the supervision of the Operating Room Manager and at the direction of Registered Nurses, supports the care of surgical patients while in the operating room department.  The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:  transporting of patients and equipment, assists with preparation of the operating room and properly cleaning of any area within the operating room department according to policy and procedures.  Demonstrates good knowledge of principles and practices of aseptic technique, handling of specimens and biohazard material, and universal precautions.

Projects a professional demeanor and appearance while maintaining the confidentiality of patients, coworkers, and facility information and adhering to the HIPAA policy.  Reports, in good faith, any known or suspected activity that appears to violate laws, rules, regulations or the SP Code of Conduct.  Fulfills annual LMS continuing education requirements.

Personal attributes include the ability to be self-directed; demonstrates accountability, professionalism, and receptiveness to change; seeks guidance, direction, and assistance when needed.  Works under stress and in situations that demand patience, stamina, endurance, and tact while providing impeccable service.  Fosters an attitude of teamwork and willingness to assist others and does not refuse performing other job duties as requested.  Set's priorities, responds timely to issues, which require a decision, and ensure desired results are achieved by means of consistent follow through.

Patient Population:

The patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 12 years and/or of adult stature to geriatric patients requiring or seeking pain and/or surgical intervention.

Physical Requirements:

 May be expected to lift up to 50 pounds or up to 150 pounds with assistance.  May be expected to push or pull 150-300 pounds with assistance.  Work is of medium demand; walking or standing most of the time while on duty.  Visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity essential to performing designated duties required.  Optimal auditory acuity required.  Manual dexterity involving the handling of equipment and instruments or armamentarium is essential to performing assigned duties.  Physical conditions are clean, neat and well lit.  May be subjected to unpleasant sights and odors, stressful situations, limited radiation, hazardous chemicals, or infectious diseases where judgment as to precautions needed to be taken is essential.  Climate control and ambient temperature variances may be experienced and required by patient care and needs of the surgical team.  Hours of duty may be irregular or unexpectedly extended due to the requirements of the job.

OSHA Exposure Classification:

 Job Category I.  Direct contact with blood or other body fluids to which standard precautions apply.  Personal protective equipment is made available and must be worn.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) preferred, with ability to achieve within 30 days of hire.
• 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area preferred.
• Ability to relate and work effectively with others.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. 
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written English communications for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards.
• Demonstrates ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
• Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for own professional advancement.
• Is aware of aseptic technique and universal precaution standards and performs in accordance with them.
• Must be computer literate with basic fundamental computer skills that are required to perform essential job related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 PEOPLE

1. Adheres to staffing schedules, attendance policy, and cooperates with daily assignments as requested.
2. Demonstrates skills as a team player. Shows a willingness to assist others in preparation of the operating room and participating in patient care as directed.
3. Participates in orientation of new staff and peer evaluations, ensures facility morale exemplifies the mission and values of the center.
4. Demonstrates ability to solve problems timely and constructively; maintains focus on improving the situation.
5. Completes Healthstreams in a timely manner annually.
6. Participates in all staff meetings for department and facility for informative and educational purposes.

SERVICE

1. Demonstrates highly effective communication skills with staff, management, and physicians.
2. Establishes and maintains exceptional services to all customers including physicians, patients and employees with the goal of delighting all customers.
3. Participates in the turnover of cases, preparing rooms for surgery and properly cleaning rooms after surgery according to policy.
4. Models appropriate interaction with physicians, patients and staff to ensure high level of service in all areas of responsibility.
5. Assists with positioning and transporting of patients in a safe and exceptional manner.
6. Communicates broken or defective equipment, and low supply levels to the appropriate person.

QUALITY

1. Assures linen and basic supplies are stocked daily and according to established PAR levels.
2. Assists Materials Manager or Receiving Clerk with receiving and storing of all supply orders.
3. Demonstrates proper technique with pre-operative scrubs and shaves as requested.
4. Demonstrates proper decontamination of clinical areas, equipment, and non-disposable supplies according to policy ad procedure.
5. Assists with maintaining a safe, clean, and orderly environment, adheres to all safety and infection control requirements.
6. Maintains proper sterile technique while in the operating room and restricted areas.
7. Ensures the daily monitoring of operating room temperature/humidity, blanket warmer and medication refrigerators, proper functioning of the eyewash stations as applicable.
8. Handles surgical specimens and biohazardous material according to policy and procedures.
9. Participates in quality improvement activities as requested.

FINANCE

1. Conserves resources and minimizes cost when possible.
2. Participates and assists with implementation of cost saving initiatives for the department.
3. Communicates ideas for cost containment and reducing expense.
4. Appropriate staffing levels and overtime is below established benchmarks.