Operating Theatre Technician

What is an Operating Theatre Technician?

An operating Theatre Technician provides technical services in the operating theatre and support patients in the recovery room

Roles of an Operating Theatre Technician

• Maintain responsibility for the transportation of patients to and from the theatre and wards
• assist staff with the movement of patients within the Operating Theatre
• assist with patient procedures as required
• maintain procedure room/operating theatre equipment so as to ensure a clean, safe and efficient environment for patients and staff
• ensure operating room table is wiped down, floor cleaned, linen and rubbish removed at conclusion of each procedure
• assist in the preparation of patient prior to surgery, e.g. pre-operative shave, patient positioning.
• ensure that patient is positioned securely and safely on the operating table prior to surgery and on the patient trolley at the completion of surgery
• provide assistance to medical and nursing staff
• promote patient safety at all times
• assist in other areas within the theatre complex as workload permits
• maintain good verbal communications with other staff in the theatre complex
• maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• be familiar with the correct operation of all equipment
• collect and return all necessary equipment for the procedure and patient safety
• report malfunctioning equipment to the nurse in charge
• follow the hospital’s Health and Safety policies and procedures
• be aware of the OH&S guidelines for the safe transport of beds and patients throughout the hospital

Personal skills required of an Operating Theatre Technician

• careful and analytical approach to work
• sympathetic, supportive and professional approach to patients
• able to learn independently
• able to work as part of a team
• able to prioritise

Qualifications required

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

Future prospects

• Audiometrist
• Biomedical Engineer
• Health Technician Manager
• Laboratory Manager
• Medical Imaging Technologist
• Medical Scientist
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist
• Radiation Therapist

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