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Position Summary:

The Operating Room (OR) Assistant provides operational and logistical support to the perioperative team by assisting with operating room turnovers, case preparation, decontamination workflows, and supply and equipment management. This role plays a critical part in improving operating room efficiency, reducing turnover time, supporting on-time case starts, and enhancing overall patient flow. The OR Assistant works collaboratively with OR nursing staff, surgical technologists, Sterile Processing Department (SPD), and Environmental Services (EVS) to ensure operating rooms are consistently prepared and ready for scheduled surgical procedures.

Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm

No weekends, holidays or on-call!

Responsibilities:

Operating Room Turnover & Decontamination

+ Assist with operating room turnover activities between surgical cases

+ Learns and supports decontamination (Decon) processes for surgical instruments and equipment, adhering to infection control and safety standards.

+ Assist with room cleaning coordination and restocking to ensure timely room readiness

+ Identify and communicate turnover delays or workflow barriers to leadership

Case Preparation & Instrument Support

+ Pull, pick, and prepare surgical cases according to daily surgical schedules

+ Verify availability, accuracy, and completeness of instrument trays and supplies

+ Assist with equipment setup, breakdown, and transport

+ Coordinate with SPD to ensure timely instrument availability

Supply & Equipment Management

+ Restock operating room supplies and maintain established par levels

+ Transport supplies, instruments, and equipment between ORs, SPD, and storage areas

+ Monitor supply usage and report shortages or equipment issues

Collaboration & Workflow Support

+ Work collaboratively with OR nurses, surgical technologists, SPD, and EVS staff

+ Support efficient workflow during high-volume or complex surgical schedules

+ Participate in performance improvement initiatives related to turnover time and OR efficiency

Safety, Quality & Compliance

+ Follow infection prevention, safety, and regulatory standards

+ Adhere to organizational policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements

+ Support patient safety by ensuring accurate room setup and readiness

Qualifications:

+ High school diploma or equivalent required

+ Prior experience in an operating room, sterile processing, central supply, or healthcare support role preferred

+ Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-acuity healthcare environment

+ Strong organizational, time-management, and teamwork skills

+ Effective verbal communication skills

+ Basic knowledge of surgical instruments, supplies, and OR workflows preferred

+ Familiarity with infection control and decontamination practices preferred

+ Ability to travel between OrthoNY locations. Reliable transportation is essential.

+ Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds independently

+ Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required

Other Information:

+ Fast-paced operating room and sterile processing environments

+ Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and cleaning agents

+ Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching

+ Ability to transport heavy equipment and supply cart

+ Ability to work extended periods on feet and respond to fluctuating workload demands