Perioperative Patient Assistant (PPA) - Oregon Health & Science University

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.

 

Pay Range: $23.63 - $31.98 per hour

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.

3. 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. 

Materials Transportation and Ordering

• Transports and orders equipment, supplies and other materials. 

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.

Miscellaneous 

• Maintaining stock or ordering as needed. May function as part of the Code Blue Team to provide BLS chest compressions during Code Blue events.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.), may include specialized vocational courses.

• One year work experience in any field.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• 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.

• BLS

• Ability to perform the job duties 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).

All are welcome:Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.