Perioperative Patient Assistant (PPA)

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

Peri anesthesia registered nurse. The Peri anesthesia PPA performs routine work in the Peri anesthesia 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 Peri anesthesia departments.

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

we meet every patient's needs.

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.

Equipment and Room Set Up and Turnover

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

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.

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.

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 phones and scans records into electronic chart. 

Other Duties as Assigned

• High School diploma or equivalent AND

• One year work experience in any field. 

• BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.

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. 

• Strong customer service orientation.

• Cooperation with and maintenance of good rapport with nursing staff, ancillary personnel, other departments, patients, and physicians.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with staff, patients, and visitors.

• 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

• 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). 

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 policy supervision. Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment (PPE) as required per policy. 

Requires working in the Peri anesthesia/OR environment. May require standing for several consecutive hours. Continuously stand/walk or lift/handle/carry material or equipment of moderate weight (20 to 75 lbs). Ability to lift, position, and transport patients utilizing proper body mechanics. Uses industrial cleaning agents and equipment following appropriate safety procedures. Subject to noise of equipment.