Perioperative Patient Assistant (PPA)

Department Overview

Function as a member of the Perianesthesia team, while under the direct supervision and direction of the registered perianesthesia nurse.

 

The Perianesthesia PPA performs routine work in the perianesthesia environment to include: decontamination and cleaning, 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 PPA promotes a culture where we imagine, inspire, engage and excel to ensure we meet every patient's needs. The PPA is expected to float within the Perioperative Division.

Function/Duties of Position

Equipment and Room Set Up and Turnover - Assists with set up of:

• Perianesthesia Bays
• Block Bays
• ECT Beds
• 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

Decontamination and Cleaning

• Cleans and decontaminates medical equipment - may make minor repairs or refer to repair person.
• Test equipment and instruments for proper operation
• Cleans hospital equipment such as infusion pumps, suction machines and heating and cooling units
• May make minor repairs or refers to repair person
• Cleans and sanitizes all surfaces and floors in clinical and nonclinical areas
• Collects and empties trash and linen

Point of Care Testing - Collects samples and Performs POC for:

• CBG
• HCG
• COVID-19

Customer Service & Patient Experience -

• High level engagement to respond to patient and team member requests in a customer-focused and timely manner; effectively utilizes customer service techniques to deliver an excellent patient experience.
• Greets, rooms and transfers patients in EPIC.
• Answers phone. Scans records into electronic chart.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent AND

• One year work experience in any field. 

• Current BLS certification awarded by the American Heart Association (AHA) prior to start date.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Ability to communicate well with others. 

• Ability to safely lift and transfer patients, equipment, supplies.  

• Must be responsible and properly trained in the transportation of bio-hazardous items within 90 days of hire. 

• Must be able to effectively utilize oral and written communication skills with staff and the public in English
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks
• Ability to develop systems/routine independently to reflect standard work defined by unit.
• Basic understanding of OHSU University Hospital and Clinic Policies and Procedures and Department Policies and Procedures preferred
• Adheres to OHSU attendance policy.
• Able to direct patients and visitors throughout the OHSU campus;
• Other duties such as transportation of specimens, finding supplies, etc. as requested by staff and Dept. Director

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of (or enrollment in) 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).

• One year experience in a hospital setting or perianesthesia department/short stay.

• Experience with EPIC program

   

Additional Details

Requires prioritization of multiple projects, activities, and assignments. May be exposed to excessive

auditory and visual stimulation. May be exposed to body fluids, tissue, and infectious processes. Subject to computer work for several hours, as needed. Able to utilize all patient care equipment with work area.

All are welcome

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