Medical Assistant - OR

Medical Assistant - OR

Under the guidance and supervision of the Registered Nurse, participates as a member of the OSS Health Hospital Operating Room team in planning, preparing, and implementing safe and effective patient care while enhancing the OSS Health experience for patients undergoing surgery.

Education : High school diploma or equivalent (required); Medical Assistant certification and / or Associate's degree (preferred).

Qualifications : Experience as a Medical Assistant is strongly preferred or successful completion of student externship in the department. Must possess strong computer skills and have the ability to learn new computer software on the job. Knowledge of medical and surgical terminology required. Current certification in basic life support (BLS) required, or the ability to obtain before working independently with patients. Demonstrates a good rapport and cooperative relationship with all members of the team exemplifying service excellence. Demonstrates the ability to adapt to changes in the workload and work as part of the team to finish the schedule.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities : Assists in the delivery of patient care under the direction of the Registered Nurse in the Operative Suites and Sterile Stores areas. This includes transporting patients, room set-up, opening of sterile supplies, stocking supplies and handling linen, trash and biohazard waste. Assists with patient positioning, holding patient for spinal procedures and other duties as assigned in the operating room. Demonstrates an awareness of patient safety and proper body mechanics when moving patients or equipment. Prepares and checks assigned cases for appropriate instruments, sutures, supplies, and equipment necessary for procedures. Assists OR team with gowning and gloving. Follows aseptic technique when opening sterile supplies and setting up cases. Monitors sterility and reports any break in sterile technique. Participates in decontamination and sterilization processes as defined by policy. Transports empty containers to sterile processing and transports soiled / dirty equipment tables to decontamination. Consistently demonstrates proper handling of instruments and equipment to avoid damage and loss. Facilitates efficient room turnover by assisting with general cleaning of room and setting up next case. Participates in preference card updates as documented and observed. Assists other staff members with completion of routine duties of the department as observed. Posts surgical schedule on the OR Board. Demonstrates appropriate use of supplies and resources. Monitors supplies for sterility and outdates. Assists in front office activities as assigned, to include assisting with surgical scheduling and answering the telephone. Maintains confidentiality of all patient, Center, and physician information; respects the patient's privacy. Checks assigned equipment before patient use to ensure proper functioning; immediately reports any inoperative or malfunctioning equipment. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of departmental safety policies and procedures; participates in identification and evaluation of potential department safety problems and precautions as observed and documented. Adheres to department specific OSHA and infection control guidelines regarding health maintenance and infection prevention 100% of the time as observed and documented. Other duties as assigned.