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Operating Room Assistant Jobs in Ridgefield, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Operating Room Assistant information

What is an operating room assistant?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room assistant?

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 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 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.

How do you become an operating room assistant?

To become an operating room assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Surgical Technologist. On-the-job training is common, and strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are important skills for the role.

How hard is it to become an operating room assistant?

Becoming an operating room assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or certification in healthcare support. Some positions may prefer or require knowledge of medical terminology, basic patient care skills, and familiarity with surgical environments, but the entry process is generally accessible with minimal formal education.

What are popular job titles related to Operating Room Assistant jobs in Ridgefield, WA?

For Operating Room Assistant jobs in Ridgefield, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Ridgefield, WA are hiring for Operating Room Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ridgefield, WA with the most Operating Room Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Room Assistant job openings in Ridgefield, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

RN, Doernbecher Operating Room

Portland, OR • On-site

Oregon Health & Science University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$55.24 - $92.02/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview
The Doernbecher Operating Room at OHSU is a high-acuity surgical environment dedicated to pediatric patients ranging from neonates to young adults. The unit consists of 10 operating rooms, including two Hybrid OR's for advanced image-guided interventions and complex neurosurgical procedures and other specialized cases. Surgical services span a wide range of pediatric specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, urology, ENT, plastic surgery, gynecology, trauma, and transplant. Patients present with varying levels of acuity, from routine outpatient procedures to emergent, life-threatening conditions. In some cases, patients up to 24 years of age may be treated with anesthesia and provider approval.
This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:
  • Comprehensive health care plans. Covered at 100% of the cost for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
  • Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
  • Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid - included in vacation accruals)
  • Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
  • Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources

Function/Duties of Position
The multidisciplinary team includes Operating Room Registered Nurses, Cardiac Cath Registered Nurses, Certified Surgical Technologists, Surgeons, Anesthesiologists and Registered Radiology Technologists, Core Techs and support staff. Teams collaborate closely to ensure safe, efficient, and developmentally appropriate surgical care for every patient. The department is open 24/7 to support scheduled, urgent, and emergent procedures. Dedicated on-call teams provide surgical coverage seven days a week, ensuring access to critical surgical interventions for pediatric patients across the region. As part of a leading academic medical center, Doernbecher's Operating Room supports ongoing education, clinical research, and quality improvement initiatives. The team is committed to fostering a learning environment while delivering high-quality, family-centered care. Department Specific Working Conditions:
• Requires ability to push patients in stretchers around corners and through hallways throughout the shift.
• Requires the ability to work in a dark or dimly lit procedure room for extended periods.
• Requires weekend, holiday, and after-hours call; must be able to report to work within 45 minutes of being called.
• Must be able to stand for up to 4 continuous hours and tolerate walking or moving throughout the entire shift.
• Must be able to wear up to 20 pounds of lead protective equipment for procedures.
• Must be able to assist with moving and turning sedated patients using safe patient handling equipment.
• May be required to float to other perioperative/procedural areas within OHSU based on department needs.
• Requires standing and walking on hard surfaces (concrete, vinyl, carpet) up to 12 hours per day, intermittently.
• Requires sitting on a chair or stool, intermittently, for up to 12 hours per day.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, including lifting up to 50 pounds above head level, and push/pull up to 400 pounds intermittently during the shift.
• Requires bending, reaching, twisting, and overhead movement throughout the day.
• Must be able to safely use all patient care equipment in the Hybrid OR setting.
• Requires ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, tasks, and urgent clinical needs in a dynamic environment.
• May be exposed to body fluids, tissues, and infectious materials.
• Requires periods of computer use for documentation and coordination of care.
• Must practice within the scope of Oregon nursing law and in alignment with AORN standards and recommended practices.
• Expected to integrate and demonstrate OHSU Core Competencies in all aspects of clinical practice: Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, and Teamwork.
• Excellent communication skills, including active listening, respectful engagement with diverse patient populations, and effective conflict resolution.
• Provides both direct and indirect professional nursing care.
• Uses the nursing process effectively, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Maintains composure and sound clinical judgment in high-stress and emergent situations.
• Practices in accordance with Oregon nursing law and adheres to standards and recommended practices.
• Serves as a role model in supporting and promoting OHSU's vision and mission.
• Demonstrates and integrates OHSU Core Competencies into daily practice:
• Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, Teamwork
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in an operating room
  • BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
  • ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
  • Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
  • Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
  • BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications
• Specialty certification preferred CNOR
• Pediatric OR experience
• A minimum score of 11 out of 18 on OHSUs Nurse Interview Evaluation Tool
• Knowledge of pediatric surgical instrumentation, equipment, regulations, perioperative standards and the ability to troubleshoot issues pertaining to the OR demonstrates strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and effective prioritization in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment
• Proficient IV insertion and management skills
Additional Details
Length of Orientation - Experienced Nurse
  • External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
  • Either Transition to Practice (TTP) Program Specialty Fellowship/Fellowship Learning Pathway or Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area. An employment service agreement may apply.

6 positions available
Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887