Operating Room Assistant

Operating Room Assistant (OR-A)

As an Operating Room Assistant (OR-A) at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play a vital role in supporting the surgical team by ensuring operating rooms are prepared, clean, and ready for safe, efficient patient care. Working alongside surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, you'll help maintain a sterile environment, facilitate timely room turnover, and support critical surgical operations that directly impact patient outcomes. This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced healthcare environment, enjoy working as part of a collaborative team, and are committed to patient safety and surgical excellence.

Compensation: Hiring compensation range starts at $16.00 per hour, based on education, experience, certification, and internal equity. This position is eligible for shift differentials for qualifying shifts.

Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; Career Pathways Program; paid parental leave; wellness incentives through Love Your Life; Employee-to-Employee (E2E) assistance program; and employee discounts to regional attractions.

Boone, North Carolina offers breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain views, year-round outdoor recreation, a vibrant arts and dining scene, top-rated schools, and Appalachian State University.

What You'll Do as an Operating Room Assistant

Surgical Services Support

• Prepare operating rooms before surgical procedures by ensuring rooms are clean, organized, and fully equipped.
• Assist surgeons, nurses, and other clinical staff throughout surgical procedures as needed.
• Maintain a sterile environment by following infection prevention and sterile processing protocols.
• Support safe patient positioning and movement during surgical procedures.
• Promote patient safety by ensuring equipment and supplies are available and functioning properly.

Operating Room Operations

• Perform environmental cleaning and management of blood and body fluids throughout the department.
• Serve as a runner for time-sensitive and clinically significant items, including STAT laboratory specimens and blood products.
• Ensure efficient, high-quality operating room turnover between surgical procedures.
• Assist with transporting equipment, supplies, and surgical instruments throughout the department.
• Monitor and report equipment or supply issues promptly to appropriate personnel.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia providers, and surgical staff to support efficient patient care.
• Communicate effectively with team members to promote safe and coordinated surgical operations.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and accountability in all interactions.
• Support UNC Health Appalachian's Mission, Vision, Values, and Standards of Behavior.

Quality & Safety

• Follow all infection prevention, environmental safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain compliance with departmental policies and surgical services protocols.
• Participate in maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient operating room environment.
• Respond calmly and effectively in urgent or emergency situations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Experience

• Previous experience in an operating room or surgical setting preferred.

Licensure & Certifications

• Completion of the UNC Health Appalachian Operating Room Assistant Program within one (1) year of hire (provided by the organization).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of surgical instruments, operating room equipment, and sterile techniques.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Good physical stamina and manual dexterity for patient positioning and equipment handling.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and adaptable in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Knowledge of infection prevention protocols and commitment to maintaining a sterile environment.
• Basic computer skills for documentation and communication.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, position, push, pull, and transfer patients, equipment, and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Manual dexterity and mobility required for surgical support activities.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, twisting, turning, and reaching throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand, finger, and wrist movements.
• Near visual acuity required for detailed work involving surgical equipment and supplies.
• Ability to work extended periods standing and walking during shifts of eight (8) or more hours.

Work Environment

• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, and infectious materials.
• Frequent exposure to electrical and mechanical equipment, chemicals, specimens, and other healthcare-related hazards.
• Subject to irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.
• Continuous standing and walking for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of equipment and supplies exceeding 50 pounds.
• Fast-paced surgical environment requiring adaptability, teamwork, and attention to detail.