Job Purpose:
The OT Support Staff (Nurse) is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and sterile operating theatre environment by performing cleaning, sterilization, infection prevention and control (IPC) activities, and providing clinical assistance to the Head Nurse and Ophthalmologists during pre-operative, operative, and post-operative procedures. The position also supports general nursing activities to ensure quality patient care and efficient OT operations.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks (with approximate % of time):
1. Operating Theatre Cleaning and Environmental Hygiene (30%)
· Clean and disinfect the operating theatre before, during, and after surgical procedures.
· Ensure all OT furniture, equipment, and work surfaces are properly cleaned and disinfected.
· Maintain cleanliness of scrub areas, preparation rooms, recovery areas, and related clinical spaces.
· Dispose of medical and non-medical waste according to hospital infection prevention procedures.
· Ensure the OT environment remains safe, organized, and ready for surgery always.
2. Sterilization of Instruments and Medical Equipment (25%)
· Clean, disinfect, package, sterilize, and store surgical instruments according to hospital sterilization protocols.
· Operate sterilization equipment safely and correctly.
· Monitor sterilization indicators and maintain sterilization records.
· Prepare sterile instrument sets for scheduled surgeries.
· Ensure sterile supplies are stored appropriately and remain contamination-free.
· Report damaged or malfunctioning instruments and sterilization equipment.
3. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) (20%)
· Strictly follow Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) policies and procedures.
· Practice proper hand hygiene and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
· Support monitoring of aseptic techniques during surgical procedures.
· Help prevent healthcare-associated infections by maintaining sterile conditions.
· Participate in infection prevention audits, training, and quality improvement activities.
· Report any infection control concerns immediately to the supervisor.
4. Assisting the Head Nurse and Ophthalmologists (15%)
· Assist in preparing patients before surgical procedures.
· Prepare operating theatre equipment and supplies before surgery.
· Provide support to the Head Nurse and Ophthalmologists during surgical procedures as assigned.
· Assist in patient positioning and transportation when required.
· Ensure required instruments and consumables are readily available during surgery.
· Respond promptly to requests from the surgical team.
5. General Nursing Duties (10%)
· Assist with basic nursing care according to hospital policies.
· Monitor and report changes in patient condition to the responsible nurse or physician.
· Maintain accurate nursing documentation as assigned.
· Provide compassionate and respectful patient care.
· Participate in health education activities when requested.
· Perform additional nursing duties assigned by the supervisor.
6. General Responsibilities
· Follow all hospital policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines.
· Always maintain patient confidentiality.
· Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect toward patients and colleagues.
· Participate in staff meetings, training, and continuous professional development.
· Ensure proper use and care of hospital equipment and supplies.
· Report accidents, incidents, equipment failures, or safety concerns promptly.
· Support teamwork and contribute to a positive working environment.
· Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor consistent with the position.