How to Be Operating Room Patient Care Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 12, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Having a certified Operating Room Patient Care Technician on staff can be beneficial to the patient care process. This role is responsible for providing assistance to medical staff during patient care, such as transporting patients, stocking medical supplies, and preparing operating rooms before and after procedures. The technician also assists with patient care activities, such as providing comfort, monitoring vital signs, and performing treatments.

By having an Operating Room Patient Care Technician on staff, hospitals and other medical facilities can ensure that patient care is of the highest quality, as technicians are trained to provide safe and effective care. having a technician on staff can improve efficiency in the operating room, as they are able to complete tasks quickly and accurately. This can result in reduced costs for the facility, thereby increasing profitability.

In conclusion, having an Operating Room Patient Care Technician on staff can be beneficial for both patients and healthcare facilities.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require patient care technicians to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Enroll in an accredited program. Most employers prefer to hire patient care technicians who have completed a formal training program.
Complete an approved patient care technician program at a college or vocational school. Many programs offer an associate's degree or certificate in patient care technology. Programs typically last two years and include courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology and basic nursing skills.
Obtain certification or licensure. Certification is available through the National Healthcare Association or the American Association of Medical Assistants. Licensure may be required in some states.
Gain clinical experience. Many patient care technician programs include an internship or externship in which students can gain hands-on experience in the operating room.
Seek employment as an operating room patient care technician. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most technicians work in hospitals, surgical centers and outpatient care centers.

The need for reliable and qualified Operating Room Patient Care Technicians has increased due to the rising demand for safe and effective surgical procedures. As a result, health care facilities are more likely to prioritize technicians with strong qualifications and the ability to provide reliable patient care. To become qualified, technicians must complete specialized training in operating room procedures and safety protocols, as well as demonstrate a commitment to continuing education.

In addition, they must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, infection control, and other related topics. Furthermore, possessing strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of medical terminology, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, can increase their chances of success. having reliable and qualified Operating Room Patient Care Technicians is essential for providing a safe environment for patients and ensuring successful outcomes.

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

Job Description

Prepare operating rooms for surgery by setting up equipment, preparing sterile solutions, and ensuring supplies are readily available.
Monitor vital signs of patients before, during, and after surgery.
Assist surgeons in the operating room by passing instruments and providing other supplies during surgery.
Assist with transporting patients to and from the operating room.
Collect and record patients' vital signs prior to surgery.
Ensure that the operating room is maintained in a safe and sterile environment.
Assist in prepping and draping patients for surgery.
Maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff by following all safety procedures.
Prepare and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment for use in surgery.
Ensure that all supplies are up-to-date and in good working condition.
Document patient information, including vital signs, medication administration, and other notes as required by hospital policy.
Perform other duties as assigned by the operating room nurse or surgeon.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology
Ability to accurately monitor vital signs
Ability to assist with patient transfer and positioning
Ability to setup and maintain a sterile environment
Ability to properly scrub and gown
Ability to assist with surgical procedures
Knowledge of infection control procedures
Knowledge of universal precautions
Ability to setup and maintain equipment
Ability to perform instrument counts
Ability to properly dispose of biohazardous materials
Ability to provide patient education
Ability to respond quickly to changes in patients condition
Ability to recognize signs and symptoms of complications
Ability to assist the anesthesiologist with patient preparation
Knowledge of the perioperative patient safety process
Ability to document patient care accurately
Ability to work collaboratively as part of the healthcare team

The ability to provide excellent patient care is essential for a successful Operating Room Patient Care Technician. Effective communication is a key skill in this role, as it enables the technician to understand the needs of the patient and communicate clearly with the medical staff. the technician must be able to prioritize tasks efficiently, as well as remain organized and efficient in a fast-paced environment.

In order to provide quality care, strong knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy is also necessary. All of these skills lead to the technician being able to provide the highest standard of care to patients in the operating room, which can have a positive effect on their overall experience and wellbeing.

Operating Room Scheduling Coordinator, Operating Room Scheduler, and Operating Room Safety Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you handle a situation where a patient or family member is unhappy with their care?
What kind of experience do you have in the operating room?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in the operating room.
In your opinion, what attributes make an exceptional patient care technician?
How do you ensure a safe and sanitary environment for patients and staff in the operating room?
What strategies do you use to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals?
How do you handle a situation where there is a language barrier between you and a patient?
How do you stay organized when managing multiple tasks in the operating room?
How have you used technology to improve patient care in the operating room?
Describe a time when you had to provide emotional support to a patient during their surgical procedure.

Common Tools in Industry

Surgical Scrub Brushes. Used to scrub hands and forearms with an antiseptic solution prior to entering the operating room. (eg: The patient care technician used a surgical scrub brush to scrub their hands with an antiseptic solution before entering the operating room. )
Operating Room Gowns. Worn to protect the skin from exposure to contaminants during surgery. (eg: The patient care technician wore an operating room gown to protect their skin from contamination during the surgery. )
Surgical Masks. Worn to prevent the spread of airborne contaminants such as bacteria and viruses during surgery. (eg: The patient care technician wore a surgical mask to prevent the spread of airborne contaminants while in the operating room. )
Sterile Gloves. Worn to protect hands and arms from exposure to blood, body fluids, and other hazardous materials. (eg: The patient care technician put on sterile gloves to protect their hands and arms from exposure to blood and other hazardous materials during the procedure. )
Sharps Containers. Used to safely dispose of used needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments. (eg: The patient care technician disposed of the used needles in the sharps container for safe disposal. )
Suction Machines. Used to remove liquids and debris from the surgical site. (eg: The patient care technician used a suction machine to remove fluids and debris from the surgical site. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
American Surgical Technologists (AST)
Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN)
International Association of Healthcare Professionals (IAHCP)
Association of Operating Room Professionals (AORP)
American College of Clinical Engineering (ACCE)
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA)
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

We also have Operating Room Coding Specialist, Operating Room Quality Control Analyst, and Operating Room Charge Nurse jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Preoperative Care. Care given to a patient before a surgical procedure to ensure their safety, comfort, and preparation for the operation.
Intraoperative Care. Care given to a patient during the surgical procedure to ensure their safety, comfort, and successful outcome of the surgery.
Postoperative Care. Care given to a patient after a surgical procedure to ensure their recovery and healing process.
Anesthesia. Medication used to temporarily relieve pain and other sensations during a medical procedure.
Sterilization. Procedures used to prevent the spread of infection by destroying or removing microorganisms from equipment and surfaces.
Surgical Instruments. Tools used in the operating room to perform medical procedures.
Positioning. Adjusting the patients body and limbs to achieve the best possible surgical outcome.
Wound Care. Treating and caring for an open wound or incision to promote healing and prevent infection.
Documentation. Recording information about the patients care, condition, and progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of an Operating Room Patient Care Technician?

An Operating Room Patient Care Technician is responsible for providing patient care and support services before, during, and after surgery. This includes preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, transporting patients, and assisting surgeons and nurses with patient care.

What qualifications do I need to become an Operating Room Patient Care Technician?

To become an Operating Room Patient Care Technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a certification exam. Additionally, some employers may require CPR certification and/or prior experience in a health care setting.

What types of duties can I expect to perform as an Operating Room Patient Care Technician?

As an Operating Room Patient Care Technician, you may be responsible for tasks such as setting up operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, transporting patients to and from the operating room, setting up surgical instruments, and assisting surgeons and nurses with patient care.

How much does an Operating Room Patient Care Technician typically make?

The average salary for an Operating Room Patient Care Technician is around $38,000 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience and location.

What are the working conditions for an Operating Room Patient Care Technician?

Operating Room Patient Care Technicians typically work in hospitals or clinics and must be able to stand for long periods of time. They must also be able to lift and move patients, as well as handle medical equipment. The work environment can be noisy and fast-paced.