A. Pre-Operative Responsibilities

• Receive surgical cases and review patient charts, consent forms, and pre-op orders.
• Perform patient identification, verification of procedure, and allergy/safety checks.
• Conduct basic pre-operative assessment (vital signs, IV line check, NPO status, labs if applicable).
• Prepare the OR room, ensuring availability and sterility of instruments, supplies, and equipment appropriate for minor to moderate surgical procedures allowed in Level 1.
• Coordinate with the surgeon and anesthesiologist regarding case needs, positioning, and anticipated complications.
• Ensure proper patient transport from ward/ER to OR following safety protocols.

B. Intra-Operative Responsibilities

• Serve as scrub nurse or circulating nurse depending on assignment.
• Maintain strict aseptic technique and ensure sterility throughout the procedure.
• Assist the surgeon by passing instruments, sutures, and supplies efficiently.
• Monitor the patient’s condition during surgery in collaboration with the anesthesia team.
• Document sponge, instrument, and needle counts before, during, and after the procedure.
• Adjust lights, equipment, and positioning as needed to support the surgical team.
• Ensure safe use of OR equipment (electrocautery, suction, light source, oxygen).
• Anticipate the surgeon’s needs and respond promptly.
• Enforce infection control standards and surgical safety protocols (WHO Surgical Safety Checklist).

C. Post-Operative Responsibilities

• Assist in safe patient transfer to the Recovery Room or designated post-op area (Level 1 hospitals often have PACU/extended OR area).
• Monitor patient’s airway, breathing, vital signs, and level of consciousness as per protocol.
• Document intra-operative events, medications, specimens taken, and patient status.
• Provide immediate post-op care: pain checks, dressing security, IV monitoring.
• Endorse to ward nurse with complete post-op instructions and operative notes.

D. Instrument Care & OR Maintenance

• Clean, decontaminate, and prepare instruments for sterilization following DOH infection control standards.
• Assist in autoclaving/sterilization processes when CSSR staff is limited (common in Level 1).
• Maintain inventory of OR supplies, instruments, and sterile packs.
• Report malfunctioning equipment and coordinate for repair or replacement.
• Maintain general cleanliness and readiness of the OR suite.

E. Administrative & Coordination Tasks

• Complete OR records, operative reports, and logbook entries accurately.
• Coordinate surgical scheduling with doctors, anesthesia team, and wards.
• Participate in emergency surgeries (e.g., appendectomy, CS if permitted, minor procedures) as required.
• Assist in procurement requests for OR supplies, medications, and sterilization materials.
• Conduct or join monthly OR audits (infection control, incident reports, crash cart checks, stock monitoring).

F. Compliance & Safety Responsibilities

• Uphold DOH, PhilHealth, and hospital safety standards for Level 1 hospitals.
• Ensure proper waste segregation (infectious/sharps) and OR environmental safety.
• Participate in fire drills, disaster preparedness, and code protocols.
• Maintain competencies such as BLS, infection control training, and OR orientation.