Perioperative Care Assistant at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital

Role Overview

The Perioperative Care Assistant at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital plays a crucial role in supporting the nursing team and ensuring high-quality care for surgical and procedural patients. This position involves a variety of tasks, including direct patient care, assistance with sterile procedures, equipment management, and inventory control. The Perioperative Care Assistant works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) and contributes to a safe, efficient, and patient-centered environment.

A Day in the Life

Imagine starting your day in the bustling environment of the perioperative unit at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital. As a Perioperative Care Assistant, your day might include: * **Preoperative Support:** Preparing the operating room by gathering necessary supplies and equipment, ensuring everything is sterile and ready for the day's procedures. You might also assist in prepping patients by performing shave preps or helping with positioning. * **Intraoperative Assistance:** During procedures, you'll be a vital part of the team, assisting nurses and surgeons by opening sterile supplies, holding extremities during preps, and running errands to retrieve needed items. * **Postoperative Care:** After procedures, you'll help transport patients to the recovery area, clean and prepare the operating room for the next case, and restock supplies. * **Patient Care:** Providing direct patient care, such as monitoring vital signs (stable patients only), assisting with activities of daily living, and promoting patient comfort. You'll also be responsible for documenting patient care activities as directed. * **Equipment and Inventory Management:** Ensuring all equipment is clean and functioning properly, managing inventory levels, and restocking supplies to maintain an efficient workflow.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown, West Virginia, is a vibrant and growing city that offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown has a youthful energy and a strong sense of community. The city boasts a diverse economy, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Living in Morgantown offers: * **Affordable Cost of Living:** Compared to many other cities in the United States, Morgantown has a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking financial stability. * **Access to Nature:** Morgantown is surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, and rivers, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. * **Excellent Education:** With West Virginia University located in the heart of the city, Morgantown offers access to high-quality education at all levels. * **Friendly Community:** Morgantown is known for its friendly and welcoming community, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

Career Path

The Perioperative Care Assistant role can serve as a stepping stone to various career paths within the healthcare field. With experience and further education, you could advance to positions such as: * **Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):** By obtaining CNA certification, you can expand your patient care responsibilities and work in a variety of healthcare settings. * **Medical Assistant (MA):** Completing a medical assistant program can lead to opportunities in physician offices, clinics, and other outpatient settings. * **Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN):** With further education and licensure, you can become an LPN and provide a wider range of nursing care. * **Registered Nurse (RN):** The Perioperative Care Assistant role can be a valuable starting point for pursuing a nursing degree and becoming an RN. * **Surgical Technician:** Additional training in surgical technology can lead to a career assisting surgeons in the operating room. * **Sterile Processing Technician:** With specialized training, you can focus on the critical role of sterilizing and preparing surgical instruments and equipment.

Salary & Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Perioperative Care Assistant at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, is $30,000 to $42,000 per year. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage * **Paid Time Off:** Vacation, sick leave, and holidays * **Retirement Plan:** Employer matching contributions * **Life Insurance:** Basic and supplemental options * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term coverage * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services * **Wellness Programs:** Resources and incentives to promote employee health and well-being * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Financial assistance for continuing education * **Professional Development:** Opportunities for training and advancement

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of excellence, compassion, and respect. The organization values teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. Employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and participate in decision-making processes. WVU Medicine is also dedicated to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and supported.

How to Apply

To apply for the Perioperative Care Assistant position at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page. Complete the application in full and be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. **What are the minimum education requirements for this position?** * A high school diploma or equivalent is required. 2. **Is prior patient care experience required?** * Prior patient care experience is preferred but not required. 3. **What certifications are required?** * You must obtain certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or HeartSaver First Aid within 30 days of hire. 4. **What are the typical working hours for this position?** * Working hours may vary depending on the needs of the department. You may be required to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. 5. **What opportunities are there for advancement within WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine offers numerous opportunities for advancement. You can pursue further education and training to move into higher-level positions. 6. **What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine provides a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees are valued and respected. 7. **Are there any specific skills that are particularly valuable for this role?** * Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills are highly valued. The ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing situations is also important. 8. **Does WVU Medicine offer tuition reimbursement?** * Yes, WVU Medicine offers tuition reimbursement for continuing education. 9. **What is the dress code for Perioperative Care Assistants?** * The dress code typically involves scrubs, which are often provided by the hospital. 10. **What is the onboarding process like for new hires?** * New hires typically participate in a comprehensive orientation program that covers hospital policies, procedures, and patient care protocols.