Perioperative Patient Assistant (PPA)

Department Overview

Function as a member of the Perianesthesia team, while under the direct supervision and direction of the registered perianesthesia nurse.

The Perianesthesia PPA performs routine work in the perianesthesia environment to include:

decontamination and cleaning, cleaning of the physical surroundings and equipment, stocking and room setup, transporting patients and materials, performing point of care testing and assisting with patient care tasks in the perianesthesia departments.

At OHSU, the PPA promotes a culture where we imagine, inspire, engage and excel to ensure we meet every patient's needs. The PPA is expected to float within the Perioperative Division.

Function/Duties of Position

Equipment and Room Set Up and Turnover - Assists with set up of:

• Peri anesthesia Bays
• Block Bays
• ECT Beds
• Other areas as needed

Patient Care Support - Assists with the following patient care tasks: 

• Nutrition and Hydration 
• Dressing and Undressing
• Elimination and Toileting
• Clipping hair and assisting with HCG bath in preparation for surgical procedure
• Patient mobilization – use of crutches, walkers or wheelchairs (must have SPM training)
• Measuring and recording: Vital signs, pulse oximetry, urinary output (both voided and from drainage systems), pain level (using facility approved pain scale), patient weight 

Decontamination and Cleaning

• Cleans and decontaminates medical equipment - may make minor repairs or refer to repair person.
• Test equipment and instruments for proper operation
• Cleans hospital equipment such as infusion pumps, suction machines and heating and cooling units
• May make minor repairs or refers to repair person
• Cleans and sanitizes all surfaces and floors in clinical and nonclinical areas
• Collects and empties trash and linen

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent AND 

• One year work experience in any field. 

• Ability to communicate well with others. 

• Ability to safely lift and transfer patients, equipment, supplies. 

• Must be responsible and properly trained in the transportation of bio-hazardous items within 90 days of hire. 

• A PPA candidate may be required to have a valid BLS certification at time of hire as indicated on the position description.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of (or enrollment in) the Sterile Processing Course; OR
• Certified Nurse Assistant; OR
• 1 year job experience in a hospital, clinic, or medical laboratory with exposure to decontamination and cleaning processes; OR
• certified registered central service technician (CRCST). 

Additional Details

Requires prioritization of multiple projects, activities, and assignments. May be exposed to excessive

auditory and visual stimulation. May be exposed to body fluids, tissue, and infectious processes. Subject to computer work for several hours, as needed. Able to utilize all patient care equipment with work area.

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 [email protected]