Full-Time Operating Room Tech-Surgical Services

Ashe Memorial Hospital•Jefferson, NC

About The Position

The Operating Room Tech assists surgeons during operative and invasive procedures, working independently or collaboratively in the surgical suite. The role prepares the operating room, ensures instruments and supplies are available, and supports safe, efficient procedures. It also includes washing, assembling, maintaining, and sterilizing surgical instruments and power equipment under the supervision of the Nurse Manager/Director of Surgical Services. Processing must follow hospital policy and applicable AORN, AAMI, OSHA, CDC, TJC, and other regulatory standards to ensure supplies are available and the environment is safe for patients and clinicians. The position handles confidential patient, scheduling, and physician information and has no supervisory responsibilities. The Operating Room Tech provides patient care and reassurance, adapts procedures to patients of different age groups, prepares and maintains sterile fields, assists with positioning and draping, handles specimens, performs counts, and anticipates the surgeon’s needs. The role checks equipment, organizes cases, opens required supplies, cleans and restocks rooms, and processes instruments. The employee participates in staff meetings and performance improvement activities and performs other duties as assigned. Work is full-time in the OR on the day shift, Monday through Friday, with no travel. Pay is commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Current knowledge of principles of asepsis and surgical techniques.
NC CNA certification, Certified Operating Room Tech credential, Certified Medical Assistant credential, or Paramedic credential.
BLS certification.
Willingness to receive required vaccinations, unless an exemption has been requested and approved.
Successful completion of a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen upon a conditional job offer.

Nice To Haves

High school graduation preferred.
Completion of an approved Surgical Technology Program preferred.
Prior operating room work experience and/or experience in sterile technique preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist surgeons during operative and invasive procedures.
Prepare the operating room with anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies, and equipment according to physicians’ preference cards.
Interact professionally with patients and families and provide explanations and verbal reassurance as needed.
Adapt procedures to the treatment needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Care for and accurately handle specimens.
Assist with patient positioning, preparation, and draping.
Perform operating room counts of instruments, sponges, and needles; follow procedures for incorrect counts and report or correct discrepancies.
Maintain medical and surgical asepsis, observe for breaks in sterile technique, and respond according to department standards.
Maintain a safe environment and verify drugs and solutions received from the circulating nurse according to department policy.
Participate in side/site and procedure verification with the team and patient.
Check equipment and instruments for proper function; organize cases and identify supply or equipment conflicts.
Open sterile supplies according to physicians’ preference cards and assist with special equipment and instruments; perform minor troubleshooting and teach other staff members as able.
Protect patient privacy and sensitivities and observe patients with minimal disturbance.
Set up, scrub, and prepare for procedures at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time unless otherwise directed.
Maintain an orderly, sterile instrument table and anticipate the surgeon’s intraoperative needs.
Clean and prepare rooms between procedures and after the final case; restock supplies and return furniture, sutures, and equipment to their proper places.
Care for instruments and equipment during and after procedures, including cleaning and processing; transport contaminated instruments covered to the decontamination area.
Follow written steam sterilization procedures and perform required chemical and biological monitoring responsibilities.
Consult staff when unfamiliar with equipment or procedures.
Collaborate with the OR nursing team to maintain equipment and supplies and update physicians’ preference cards.
Use sound judgment within the scope of practice and open only the supplies and instruments needed to support cost-effectiveness and reduce waste.
Select instruments and trays for assigned cases and anticipate needs by making supplies and instruments available in the room.
Use Standard Precautions and appropriate infection prevention and control measures.
Participate in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.