Description
Assist in surgical procedures under the supervision of surgeons and perioperative nurses. Set up the operating room, prepare and transport patients, maintain a sterile field, position and drape patients, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and supplies, hold retractors, cut sutures, and perform sponge, needle, supply, and instrument counts.
- • Count sponges, needles, instruments, and supplies before and after procedures.
- • Pass instruments and supplies; hold retractors, cut sutures, and assist as directed during surgery.
- • Scrub and assist the team with surgical hand antisepsis, gowning, and gloving.
- • Provide technical support to surgeons, circulating nurses, and anesthesia providers.
- • Clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments and equipment.
- • Prepare, label, and handle tissue specimens for laboratory analysis.
- • Prepare and apply dressings or assist with postoperative bandaging.
- • Operate, assemble, adjust, and monitor sterilizers, lights, suction, and other OR equipment.
- • Monitor and communicate operating room conditions and team needs.
- • Observe and document patient vital signs as directed.
- • Maintain and manage intraoperative fluids, such as saline, blood, plasma, or glucose, per protocol.
- • Maintain accurate records of surgical procedures and counts.
- • Maintain a sterile field and enforce aseptic technique.
- • Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning and sterile draping.
- • Turn over and restock the operating room; set up instruments according to surgeon preference cards.
- • Order and track surgical supplies.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
