Perioperative Patient Assistant (PPA)

Department Overview

Function as a member of the Perianesthesia team, while under the direct supervision and direction of the

Perianesthesia registered nurse.

 

The Perianesthesia PPA performs routine work in the Perianesthesia environment to include: decontamination

and cleaning of the physical surroundings and equipment, stocking and room setup, transporting patients and

materials, performing point of care testing and assisting with patient care tasks in the Perianesthesia

departments.

 

At OHSU, the Perianesthesia PPA promotes a culture where we imagine, inspire, engage and excel to ensure

we meet every patient's needs.

 

The Perioperative Patient Assistant 1 performs routine work in the perioperative and procedural environment to include: 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 in the perioperative and procedural departments.

Function/Duties of Position

Decontamination and Cleaning

• Cleans and decontaminates medical equipment - may make minor repairs or refer to 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 nonclinical areas.
• Collects and empties trash and linen.

Equipment and Room Set Up and Turnover

• Assists with set up of Perianesthesia Bays, Block Bays, and other areas as needed

Patient Care Support

• Assists with the following patient care tasks:
  • Nutrition and Hydration
  • Dressing and Undressing
  • Elimination and Toileting
  • Clipping hair and assisting with HCG bath in preparation for surgical procedure.
  • Patient mobilization – use of crutches, walkers or wheelchairs (must have SPM training).
  • Measuring and Recording: vital signs, pulse oximetry, urinary output (both voided and from drainage systems), pain level (using facility approved pain scale), patient weight, etc.

Point of Care Testing

• Collects samples and Performs POC for:
  • CBG, HCG, COVID-19

Patient Transportation

• Transports patient using wheelchair or stretcher; assists with patient transfer to stretcher, bed, chair, other unit and discharge.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent AND 
• One year work experience in any field.  
• Must be responsible and properly trained in the transportation of bio-hazardous items within 90 days of hire. 
• A valid BLS certification at time of hire as indicated on the position description.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Ability to communicate well with others. 
• Ability to safely lift and transfer patients, equipment, supplies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Basic computer skills may be required.
• Good prioritization and organizational skills.
• Flexibility, ability to deal effectively with unforeseen request 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of (or enrollment in) the Sterile Processing Course; OR
• Certified Nurse Assistant; OR
• 1 year job experience in a hospital, clinic, or medical laboratory with exposure to decontamination and cleaning processes; OR
• certified registered central service technician (CRCST).

Additional Details

Work schedule will need to align with, and require flexibility to, changing department needs. Ability to perform routine duties with minimal supervision. Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment (PPE) as required per policysupervision.

 

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick L