Operating Room Assistant - Part-Time

Mercyhealth•Freeport, IL

About The Position

The Operating Room Assistant supports surgical teams by preparing patients and procedure rooms, maintaining sterile technique, managing supplies and equipment, and helping ensure efficient operating room workflow. The role includes patient transport, surgical skin preparation, room turnover, equipment maintenance, and participation in quality improvement activities while following AORN principles, infection control protocols, and patient safety requirements. This position is scheduled for 27 hours per week across three 9-hour day shifts, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The assistant performs assigned patient care activities and sterile-technique skills under the supervision of a precepting ORA, scrub technician, or registered nurse to confirm sterility. The role also includes maintaining a clean environment, stocking and ordering supplies, disposing of expired or damaged items, floating to units as needed, and helping orient new partners. Mercyhealth describes itself as an integrated health system with seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and more than 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. It offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package and identifies itself as an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Completion of Mercyhealth patient assistant orientation and competency required.
Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days.
Patience and the ability to remain calm.
Ability to treat patients with dignity and respect.

Responsibilities

Provide assigned patient care activities according to standards of care, shift routines, and policies and procedures.
Perform sterile-technique skills under the supervision of a precepting ORA, scrub technician, or RN, including retractor, limb, and camera holding under physician direction.
Open sterile supplies using aseptic technique and perform surgical skin preparation, including clipping.
Respond to call lights in a timely manner and document care activities according to standards.
Maintain a clean work and patient environment.
Stock and order supplies and dispose of expired or damaged supplies.
Float to various units based on identified needs.
Participate in department or unit quality improvement activities.
Maintain, assemble, and disassemble equipment.
Assist with patient care activities such as monitor application, positioning, room turnover, retractor procedures, and skin preparation.
Validate competency in the modified scrub role, including surgical scrubbing, gowning, and gloving.
Transport patients safely and promptly to the operating room, ensuring they are ready for surgery upon arrival.
Orient new partners to room turnover, courier responsibilities, patient preparation, laptop use, supply maintenance and new purchases, and equipment validation.
Follow AORN principles and aseptic techniques when opening sterile supplies.
Follow environmental and infection-control standards, including applicable OSHA, CDC, Joint Commission, and state requirements.
Properly dispose of hazardous materials, including blood, sharps, waste containers, and CO2 laser tanks.
Maintain the autoclave according to its equipment manual and OR protocol, including preparing cleaning chemicals and keeping autoclaves clean and safe.
Transport dirty case carts to decontamination in a timely manner.