How to Be Operating Room Aide - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 23, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Operating Room Aides play an important role in the operating room by ensuring that all supplies are stocked and equipment is in working order. As a result of their efficient preparation and organization, surgeons are able to perform surgery without any delays or complications. Properly stocked supplies and sterilized equipment also reduce the risk of infection and other problems.

Operating Room Aides are responsible for transporting patients to and from the operating room, as well as helping with any patient needs prior to surgery and recovery after the procedure. With their help, surgeons can focus on the procedure itself, rather than worrying about the preparation needed. Operating Room Aides are an integral part of a successful surgical team, helping to ensure patient safety and quality care.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. To become an operating room aide, you will need to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain Certification. It is not mandatory to obtain certification to work as an operating room aide, but it can be beneficial. Certification programs are offered by the National Association of Surgical Technologists (NAST), and other organizations.
Complete an Operating Room Aide Training Program. You may be able to complete an operating room aide training program at a community college or technical school. These programs typically cover topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control, and patient care.
Gain Experience. Once you have completed a training program, you can look for a job as an operating room aide. Many employers prefer to hire aides with some experience in the field. Consider volunteering at a hospital or medical center to gain some experience.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state where you live, you may need to obtain a license to work as an operating room aide. Check with your state's licensing board for more information.

Being an Operating Room Aide requires staying ahead of the game and being efficient in order to maximize patient safety. Staying ahead involves having a good understanding of the procedures, equipment and supplies that may be needed in any given operating room. This allows for quick and easy access when needed.

Efficiency is also key in order to minimize delays, reduce the chances of medical errors and provide a safe environment for patients. Preparing ahead of time, staying organized, and having good communication with the surgical team can help to ensure maximum efficiency and safety. By doing so, Operating Room Aides can stay ahead and be successful in their roles.

You may want to check Operating Room Manager, Operating Room Technician, and Operating Room Clinical Coordinator for alternative.

Job Description

Assist with pre-operative patient preparations, such as changing into hospital gowns and positioning on the operating table.
Prepare and maintain sterile field during surgery.
Assist surgeons, nurses and anesthesiologists during surgical procedures by providing them with necessary instruments and supplies.
Monitor vital signs and ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the surgery.
Assist in transporting patients to and from the operating room.
Collect specimens and disposing of biohazard materials.
Prepare instruments and equipment for sterilization.
Maintain accurate records of all supplies used during surgical procedures.
Set up and operate medical equipment, such as suction machines and EKG machines.
Perform a variety of duties related to patient care, such as providing emotional support and helping to position and transport patients.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology
Ability to maintain a clean and aseptic environment
Ability to observe sterile technique guidelines
Ability to use and maintain operating room equipment
Knowledge of surgical instruments and supplies
Ability to move and position patients for surgery
Ability to handle surgical specimens
Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team
Ability to follow instructions and protocols
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
Ability to work under pressure and manage time efficiently
Knowledge of the principles of infection control
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Operating Room Aides (ORA) play an important role in the successful operation of healthcare facilities. They are responsible for setting up and preparing the operating rooms for procedures, cleaning and maintaining the rooms, and ensuring that all supplies and equipment are available. The most important skill for a successful ORA is attention to detail.

Without a keen eye for detail, ORAs may miss an important step in setting up the operating room, or overlook a critical piece of equipment. This can lead to delays in procedures, which in turn can cause patient discomfort and even endanger their lives. if proper cleaning and disinfection techniques are not followed, it can create an environment that is ripe for infection.

To ensure the best patient care and safety, a successful ORA must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work quickly and efficiently in a highly-pressured environment.

Operating Room Supply Chain Coordinator, Operating Room Inventory Coordinator, and Operating Room Billing Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the operating room?
Describe a time when you had to work quickly and effectively in a high-pressure situation.
How do you prioritize tasks in a busy operating room?
How do you ensure that patient safety is maintained while performing your duties?
What challenges have you faced while working in an operating room?
Describe a time when you had to provide exceptional customer service.
How do you handle difficult conversations with colleagues in the operating room?
What would you do if you noticed an error in the operating room?
How do you stay organized and efficient when working in the operating room?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem quickly and effectively.

Common Tools in Industry

Surgical Gowns. Loose-fitting garments worn by surgical staff to protect the patient and themselves from cross-contamination. (eg: disposable plastic gowns)
Surgical Mask. A mask worn to prevent the spread of germs from the wearer's nose and mouth. (eg: N95 respirator mask)
Disposable Gloves. Protective gloves made of rubber or plastic that are meant to be used once and then disposed of. (eg: latex gloves)
Surgical Instruments. Tools used to perform medical procedures such as cutting, suturing, and clamping tissues. (eg: scalpel, forceps, retractors)
Surgical Drapes. Sterile cloths used to cover the patient and provide a barrier between the patient and the operating room environment. (eg: sterile drape sheets)
Sharps Containers. A sealed container used to store sharp objects such as needles and scalpels. (eg: biohazard sharps container)
Surgical Lights. Powerful lights used in the operating room to provide lighting during surgery. (eg: LED surgical lights)
Suction Devices. Devices used to remove fluids such as blood and other liquids from the surgical site. (eg: electric suction device)
Medical Carts. Carts used for storing and transporting medical supplies in the operating room. (eg: anesthesia cart)
Operating Room Tables. Tables used to position the patient during surgery. (eg: adjustable height operating table)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head-Neck Nurses (SOHN)
International Association of Healthcare Practitioners (IAHCP)
American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
American Academy of Nursing (AAN)
National Operating Room Nurses Association (NORNA)

We also have Operating Room Supervisor, Operating Room Scheduler, and Operating Room Quality Control Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Surgical Technician. A healthcare professional who assists during surgical operations by setting up the operating room, preparing instruments and supplies, passing instruments and other items to the surgeon, and helping to move patients.
Operating Room Nurse. A registered nurse who provides care to patients in the operating room, such as administering drugs and monitoring vital signs.
Anesthesiologist. A doctor who specializes in administering anesthesia and pain relief during surgical procedures.
Scrub Nurse. A nurse who assists the surgeon in the operating room by passing instruments, suctioning, and providing assistance throughout the procedure.
Surgical Instruments. Tools specifically designed for use during surgery, such as scalpel blades, forceps, retractors, clamps, and more.
Surgical Drapes. Sheets of sterile fabric used to cover the patient during surgery to maintain a clean environment.
Surgical Gowns. Garments worn by surgeons and other operating room personnel to prevent contamination of the surgical site.
Surgical Count. A method used to ensure that all surgical instruments are accounted for before, during, and after a procedure.
Antiseptic Solutions. Solutions used to disinfect the skin before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are necessary to become an Operating Room Aide?

Operating Room Aides typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training.

What duties are included in the role of Operating Room Aide?

The duties of an Operating Room Aide may include transporting patients to and from the operating room, stocking supplies, preparing equipment for procedures, and providing assistance to medical staff during operations.