Perioperative Patient Assistant (PPA)
About The Position
The Perioperative Patient Assistant (PPA) performs routine work in the perioperative and procedural environment. This includes decontamination, assembly of peel packs, testing and distribution of instruments, medical equipment, and supplies, cleaning of the physical surroundings and equipment, and transporting patients and materials to assist with patient care. The PPA functions as a member of the Perianesthesia team, under the direct supervision and direction of the Perianesthesia registered nurse. In the Perianesthesia environment, the PPA is responsible for decontamination and cleaning of surroundings and equipment, stocking and room setup, transporting patients and materials, performing point of care testing, and assisting with patient care tasks. At OHSU, the Perianesthesia PPA promotes a culture of imagination, inspiration, engagement, and excellence to ensure every patient's needs are met.
Requirements
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- One year of work experience in any field.
- BLS from AHA required.
- Ability to communicate well with others.
- Ability to safely lift and transfer patients, equipment, and supplies.
- Must be responsible and properly trained in the transportation of bio-hazardous items within 90 days of hire.
- Strong customer service orientation.
- Cooperation with and maintenance of good rapport with nursing staff, ancillary personnel, other departments, patients, and physicians.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with staff, patients, and visitors.
- Basic computer skills may be required.
- Good prioritization and organizational skills.
- Flexibility, ability to deal effectively with unforeseen requests or circumstances during a case.
- Prompt, efficient, and dependable.
- Maintenance of patient and medical staff confidentiality.
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
Nice To Haves
- Completion of (or enrollment in) the Sterile Processing Course.
- Certified Nurse Assistant.
- 1 year job experience in a hospital, clinic, or medical laboratory with exposure to decontamination and cleaning processes.
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).
Responsibilities
- Assists with patient care tasks including nutrition, hydration, dressing, undressing, elimination, toileting, clipping hair, assisting with HCG baths, and patient mobilization using crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs.
- Measures and records vital signs, pulse oximetry, urinary output, pain level, and patient weight.
- Assists with the setup of Perianesthesia Bays, Block Bays, and other areas as needed.
- Cleans and decontaminates medical equipment, may perform minor repairs or refer to a repair person.
- Tests equipment and instruments for proper operation.
- Cleans hospital equipment such as infusion pumps, suction machines, and heating and cooling units.
- Cleans and sanitizes all surfaces and floors in clinical and non-clinical areas.
- Collects and empties trash and linen.
- Collects samples and performs Point of Care testing for CBG, HCG, and COVID-19.
- Transports patients using a wheelchair or stretcher; assists with patient transfers to stretcher, bed, chair, other units, and discharge.
- Responds to patient and team member requests in a customer-focused and timely manner.
- Utilizes customer service techniques to deliver an excellent patient experience.
- Greets, rooms, and transfers patients in EPIC.
- Answers phones and scans records into the electronic chart.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
