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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Newcomb, NM (NOW HIRING)

Nursing Assistant

Tsaile, AZ ยท On-site

$36K/yr

Must have at least 6 months of general nursing assistant experience performing simple personal ... or operating room technician. OR Combination of education and experience that when combined fully ...

Operating Room Assistant information

What is the difference between Operating Room Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectOperating Room AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary education; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, surgical centersHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Job RoleAssist surgical team with supplies, prep rooms, and patient carePrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist during surgeries

While both roles support surgical teams, Operating Room Assistants typically focus on patient support and logistical tasks, whereas Surgical Technologists have specialized training to prepare surgical instruments and assist directly during procedures. Both roles are essential in surgical settings, but Surgical Technologists usually require formal certification and have more technical responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Operating Room Assistants face during surgical procedures?

Operating Room Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterility in a fast-paced environment, quickly adapting to changing surgical needs, and efficiently coordinating with the surgical team under pressure. They must be vigilant to prevent contamination, manage surgical instruments, and anticipate the needs of surgeons and nurses. Strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm during emergencies are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Room Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Room Assistant, you need a basic understanding of surgical procedures, infection control, and patient care, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification in sterile processing. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and hospital inventory systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help ensure smooth operations and patient safety in high-pressure environments. These abilities are vital for maintaining a sterile environment, supporting surgical teams, and ensuring successful surgical outcomes.

What are Operating Room Assistants?

Operating Room Assistants, also known as OR Assistants or surgical support staff, are healthcare workers who play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and efficiency of the operating room. They transport patients, prepare and clean surgical areas, manage surgical instruments, and assist nurses and surgical teams with non-sterile tasks before, during, and after procedures. Their support ensures a sterile and organized environment, helping surgeries run smoothly and safely.
What cities near Newcomb, NM are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs? Cities near Newcomb, NM with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Newcomb, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

$36K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

At the Indian Health Service, guided by our mission to raise the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, you'll deliver compassionate care where it's needed most. You'll support licensed staff by prioritizing assigned tasks and using universal precautions to maintain a safe, clean environment for nursing care.
A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).Qualifications:To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
For the GS-03 level your resume must demonstrate at least one of the following requirements:
Experience: Must have at least 6 months of general nursing assistant experience performing simple personal nursing care duties and related support duties.
OR
Education: Completion of at least one-year of post-high school education obtained in an accredited business or technical school, junior college, college or university for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite in practical nursing or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
OR
Completion of an intensive, specialized course of study that required up to 40 hours per week and lasted at least 3 months. Such courses may have been obtained through a variety of programs such as those offered by business or technical schools, and through military training programs. To be creditable, the courses must have been designed specifically as career preparation for the work of this position.
For GS-04 level your resume must demonstrate at least one of the following requirements:
Experience: Must have at least 6 months of general experience and 6 months of specialized Nursing Assistant experience. Qualifying specialized experience includes nonprofessional nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other medical, nursing, or patient care facility or in such work as that of a home health aid performing duties such as: Performing a variety of nonprofessional nursing care and diagnostic support duties in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home or other medical, nursing, or patient care facility.
OR
Education: successfully completed a 2-year degree program in an accredited community college, junior college, or college or university in practical nursing or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for a psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technician.
OR
Combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cut-off day of rating to be eligible for consideration.Education:You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER