Nursing Assistant, Per Diem, AHMMC Ambulatory Surgery Center at Rockaway

Atlantic Health System•Rockaway, NJ

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nursing Assistant supports nursing personnel in the PACU, Preop, and Operating Room at the AHMMC Ambulatory Surgery Center at Rockaway. The role helps prepare, clean, and maintain operating rooms and related areas; supports patient transfers and care throughout preoperative, surgical, and postoperative phases; and assists with supplies, equipment, safety, and department operations. Shifts may vary according to the surgical schedule and hours of operation, and the position may float to other MMC Surgical departments as necessary. The Nursing Assistant greets and accompanies patients, assists them with changing into hospital attire, secures their belongings, provides requested snacks before discharge, and transports patients safely to their cars. Clinical support tasks include obtaining vital signs, height and weight; glucometer readings; urine pregnancy testing; iStat labs; applying EKG leads, Bair Hugger, and SCDs as ordered; and surgical-site preparation, including clipping. The role also completes environmental rounds and logs, monitors linen and nutrition par levels, and may precept nursing assistant colleagues. Atlantic Health describes its commitment as delivering high-quality care at the right time, place, and cost, while providing respect, development, and opportunities to its team members.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
BLS certification required.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

CNA certification preferred.
Nursing students preferred.
One to two years of previous patient-care experience in an operating room or PACU/Preop department preferred.
Medical terminology preferred.

Responsibilities

Clean operating rooms and set up surgical equipment between cases using the approved infection-prevention cleaning guide and manufacturers’ instructions for use; maintain standard precautions.
Maintain cleanliness and organization in operating rooms, PACU/Preop, restricted and semi-restricted areas, and supply storage rooms.
Maintain department equipment and assist surgical teams with retrieving and returning equipment.
Assist with patient transfers under the direction of the surgical or nursing team, using appropriate equipment and safe body mechanics; ensure patient safety by raising side rails and locking stretchers.
Follow procedures for handling non-regulated and regulated medical waste, specimens, and blood products.
Use the surgical schedule and surgeon preference cards to prepare operating rooms for procedures and notify appropriate personnel about potential issues or delays.
Restock assigned areas, report par-level deficits to the Lead Materials Associate, and clean and check items for expiration before restocking.
Maintain a safe environment in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements; follow universal precautions and departmental safety procedures, including safe equipment handling, isolation cleaning, and hazardous-substance practices.
Respond promptly to requests and emergencies; communicate with the charge nurse or nurse manager when unable to meet unit needs; support teamwork and accept assignments as needed.
Maintain patient confidentiality and report compliance issues to appropriate personnel.
Use supplies and resources effectively to support cost containment; perform other tasks required to meet department needs.
Support nursing personnel in PACU, Preop, and the Operating Room.
Greet and accompany patients through preoperative, surgical, and postoperative phases while providing compassionate care.
Assist patients with changing into required hospital attire and secure their belongings.
Provide requested snacks to patients before discharge and transport patients safely to their cars.
Complete daily and monthly environmental rounds and logs, including checks of critical alarms, fire extinguishers, room pressures, temperatures, and humidity.
Precept nursing assistant colleagues as necessary.
Monitor linen and nutrition par levels.
Float to other MMC Surgical departments as necessary.
Perform glucometer testing, urine pregnancy testing, iStat labs, vital signs, height and weight measurements, application of EKG leads, Bair Hugger and SCDs as ordered, and surgical-site preparation including clipping.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage for team members working 22.5 hours per week or above.
Life and AD&D insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability, with options to supplement.
403(b) retirement plan with employer match and additional non-elective contribution.
PTO and paid sick leave.
Tuition assistance, advancement, and academic advising.
Parental, adoption, and surrogacy leave.
Backup and on-site childcare.
Well-Being Rewards.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Fertility benefits and Healthy Pregnancy Program.
Flexible spending and commuter accounts.
Pet, home and auto, identity theft, and legal insurance.