The Operating Room Assistant is a member of the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center healthcare team and is under the direct supervision of a registered professional nurse providing holistic, compassionate, individualized, and effective patient care by assisting the patient with activities of daily living, as well as, other physical, emotional, and spiritual needs consistent with the Mission of MercyOne, Vision of Patient Care Services, evidence-based standards of care, and established policies and procedures.
POSITION EXPECTATIONS:
Adheres to the principles of caring and expected behaviors outlined in MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center's Model of Caring and Trinity Health's Code of Conduct, fostering a climate where all customers are treated in a manner consistent with MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center's Mission and Values. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior. Maintains a professional, collaborative work environment so as to foster a positive public image for MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. Knows and adheres to all laws and regulations pertaining to patient health, safety and medical information (i.e. HIPAA, Stark, etc.) Function in an assistive role under the supervision of the Registered Nurse retaining accountability for one’s own actions and behaviors. Continuously seek out opportunities to improve the quality of patient care delivery through innovative and creative problem solving. Support and participate in shared leadership and interdisciplinary care. Demonstrate ethical conduct and practice consistent with the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Contribute to the positive image of the nursing profession and enhance the magnetic culture of the organization by modeling professional behavior both in the organization and in the community. Serve as a mentor to students, new operating room assistants, peers, other colleagues, and staff. Embrace change and lifelong learning, taking personal accountability to seek out experiences that enhance the ability to maintain skills and competence in clinical practice and role performance. Seek feedback concerning one’s own practice.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center supports a shared leadership philosophy and encourages nursing staff to demonstrate accountability for their own practice. Therefore, the nursing organization reflects a flat structure. The Operating Room Assistant reports to a Director, who in turn reports to the Vice President of Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer.
OPERATING ROOM ASSISTANT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist in the physical management of patients. Complete or assist with surgical preps. Assist in patient positioning. Demonstrate ability to understand and follow directions. Thoroughly cleans equipment and operating rooms between procedures. Stocks supplies throughout department. Checks and fills nitrous and oxygen tanks. Transports and logs specimens per department policy to the lab department. Obtains blood from the blood bank as directed by the registered nurse. Puts away extra supplies at the end of procedures and transports used instrumentation to the decontamination department. Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic technique and sterilization. Opens sterile supplies for procedures. Assists in patient monitoring device application under discretion of the registered nurse. Provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to the patient population with respect to age specific and culturally sensitive needs as described in the department’s scope of service. Maintain, assemble, and organize equipment needed for a safe secure environment.. Complete routine daily assignments. Perform additional duties as requested such as transporting patients and obtaining medications, supplies, and medical records from other departments. Demonstrate a caring practice by respecting the rights of an individual or group. Demonstrate ability to impact change within your department and with other departments. Demonstrate skills as an effective team member. Respect the confidentiality of an individual or group, unless obligated to disclose under proper authorization or legal compulsion. Maintain a safe environment of care. Communicate care effectively: both verbally and written.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Employee will work flexible hours. In an 8-hour day, the employee must sit for 2 hours, stand for 3 hours, and walk for 3 hours at a minimum. Must be able to work under fluctuating demands. Employee’s job requires frequent (21-50% of work time) squatting, crawling, crouching, kneeling, and balancing, frequent bending/stooping, and reaching above shoulder level, pushing/pulling. Job requires the use of hands for simple and firm grasping and also fine manipulating. Job requires lifting and carrying frequent (21-50% of work time) 11-24 lbs., and occasionally (6-10% of work time) up to 50 lbs. without assistance. May be exposed to marked change in temperature and humidity, infectious diseases, hazardous waste, and chemicals. Must be able to see at a near visual acuity level. Must be able to speak. Must be able to hear speech. Must adhere to applicable organizational requirements on an annual basis for Employee Health Directives.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Must be 18 years of age. High school diploma or GED equivalent is preferred Child and Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training is required within 6 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter. Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) will be required within 30 days of hire and every 2 years thereafter.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.