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Perioperative Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse-GA

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$2.1K - $2.3K/wk

... perioperative nursing care before, during, and after surgical procedures. * Prepare operating rooms, surgical instruments, and equipment while maintaining a sterile environment. * Assist surgeons and ...

Director, Sterile Processing

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$67.24 - $79.93/hr

Atlanta, GA Perioperative Services is a dynamic department, consisting of 28 Adult Operating Rooms ... assist in the latest procedures. * Provides overall leadership for the Sterile Processing ...

Showing results 41-60

Perioperative Assistant information

What is a perioperative assistant?

Perioperative assistants are healthcare workers who support surgical teams before, during, and after surgical procedures. Their duties include preparing operating rooms, transporting patients, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with patient positioning. They play a crucial role in ensuring a safe, clean, and efficient surgical environment, allowing surgeons and nurses to focus on patient care. Perioperative assistants work under the supervision of registered nurses and surgical technologists, and they must adhere to strict safety and infection control protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a perioperative assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Perioperative Assistant, you need knowledge of surgical procedures, infection control, and sterile techniques, often supported by a high school diploma and basic life support (BLS) certification. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterilization equipment, and hospital information systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure smooth surgical operations, patient safety, and efficient support for the surgical team.

What are some common challenges faced by perioperative assistants and how can they be managed?

Perioperative Assistants often work in fast-paced surgical environments where multitasking and quick decision-making are essential. Common challenges include adapting to rapidly changing priorities, maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols, and communicating effectively with diverse surgical team members. Successfully managing these challenges involves staying organized, being proactive in anticipating surgical needs, and participating in ongoing training to remain current with best practices. Building strong teamwork skills and asking questions when uncertain also contribute to a positive and effective work environment.

What is the difference between Perioperative Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectPerioperative AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingPost-secondary certificate or associate degree
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting in pre, intra, and post-opOperating rooms, assisting during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, surgical facilitiesHospitals, outpatient surgical centers
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for assisting roles in surgeryMore specialized, requiring certification

Perioperative Assistants typically have less formal education and focus on supporting surgical teams through various phases of patient care. Surgical Technologists usually hold certifications and perform more technical tasks during surgeries. Both roles are essential in surgical settings but differ in training and responsibilities.

How do you become a perioperative assistant?

To become a perioperative assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as CPR or surgical technology training. Experience in healthcare settings and strong organizational skills are also beneficial, as the role involves assisting surgical teams and maintaining sterile environments.

What are popular job titles related to Perioperative Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA?

For Perioperative Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Perioperative Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Perioperative Assistant jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Perioperative Assistant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Perioperative Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Perioperative Assistant job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Surgical Assistant/First Asst

Emory Healthcare

Atlanta, GA

$47.79 - $56.81/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Emory Healthcare rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 217 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Be inspired.  Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.

At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be.  We provide:

  • Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
  • Family-focused benefits
  • Wellness incentives
  • Ongoing mentorship, development, leadership programs and... more!

Job Summary: The surgical assistant/first assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative duties and procedures as needed. The surgical assistant/first assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Primary duties and responsibilities: Surgical Assistance Across the Perioperative Continuum: 1. Preoperative phase includes, but is not limited to safe positioning, assist circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient. 2. Intraoperative phase includes, but is not limited to performing specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques. 3. Postoperative phase includes, but is not limited to, application of specific dressing material, assist in transfer of patient and following patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon. Intraoperative Exposure, Hemostasis, and Closure: 1. Provides visualization of the operative site by the following, but not limited to: a. Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding. b. Packing with sponges. c. Digital manipulation of tissue. d. Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging. e. Manipulation of suture materials (e.g. loops, tags, running sutures). f. Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view. 2. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis. a. Permanent: clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue; tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue; applying hemostatic clips; placing local hemostatic agents. b. Temporary: applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use; applying vessel loops; applying non-crushing clamps; applying direct digital pressure. 3. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes. 4. Utilizes running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non-absorbable material. 5. Utilizes subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips. 6. Closes skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.). 7. Provides postoperative subcutaneous administration of local anesthetic as directed by the surgeon. 8. Selects and applies appropriate wound dressing: liquid or spray occlusive materials, absorbent material affixed with tape of circumferential wrapping; immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid). Patient Positioning, Equipment Use, and Safety: 1. Familiarized with common positions related to the procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position: Fracture tables, Head stabilizers, Body stabilizer, C-arm extensions, and any other equipment needed. 2. Implements patient positioning as directed by the surgeon to achieve optimal surgical exposure. 3. Considers patient's comfort and safety: a. Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region. b. Circulation shall not be impaired. c. Nerve damage shall be guarded against. 4. Evaluates the patient after procedure completion for potential positioning-related injury, including skin assessment. Additional Duties as Assigned. Travel: Less than 10% of the time may be required. Work Type: On-Site: Works in the office or at a physical workplace, interacting with colleagues face-to-face Minimum Required Qualifications: Education - A high school diploma or equivalent Experience - 2 years of Surgical Technologist experience. Some service lines may require specialized experience (e.g., cardiothoracic surgery may require two years of directly related Surgical Technologist experience) Certification - Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Preferred Qualifications Experience - 2 years of surgical assistant/first assistant experience
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock , Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation , Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.


Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.


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