Surgical Technologist I - Gastro (DTC) - Per Diem - Shift

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

22d•$27 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

Kern Medical is seeking a Per Diem Surgical Technologist I to supplement department staffing needs. This entry-level role requires a general understanding of surgical procedures and the ability to anticipate the needs of the Surgical Team. Per Diem employees have no guarantee of minimum hours, with a minimum scheduling expectation of four (4) shifts per four-week schedule. The position is located at Kern Medical, an acute care teaching center with 222 beds, serving as the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED required
Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology Training Program
Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment.
Strong working knowledge of aseptic technique.
Demonstrate the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly vigil for the maintenance of the sterile field.
Maintain a high level of surgical conscience in professional behavior demonstrating understanding and application of principles of surgical technology and legal, ethical, and moral responsibilities to patients and team members.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a current valid California Driver’s License (if driving a personal vehicle).
Possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information (if driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical).

Responsibilities

Identify patient, verify surgery to be performed with consent forms, and assist in the transport of patient to procedural suite when requested.
Assist with transferring patient to the operating room table.
Assist with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury.
Gather, check and open supplies and equipment needed for the surgical/invasive procedure.
Perform the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves with sterile technique.
Perform initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the RN according to the Kern Medical policy and procedure.
Assist with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.
Participate in the surgical site and patient verification during the Time-Out Universal Protocol.
Secure tubing, cords and other sterile accessories.
Assist with surgical patient preparedness.
Prepare and anticipate additional instrumentation, equipment and supply requirements throughout the procedure.
Label, measure, pass medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the procedure.
Hold retractors or instruments as directed by the surgical team.
Sponge or suction the operative site as requested.
Cut suture material as directed by the surgical team.
Coordinate the camera or change out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgical team.
Maintain highest standard of sterile technique.
Perform additional counts as requested or necessary.
Prepare sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
Prepare and pass off specimen(s) according to the Kern Medical policy and procedure.
Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization and transport according to the departmental guidelines.
Participate in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.
Perform instrumentation counts prior to each procedure (when applicable).
Maintain active participation in all phases of the Time-Out Universal Protocol according to Kern Medical policy and procedure.
Secure dressings after incision closure.
Ensure all required instrumentation is returned to the Processing Department according to departmental protocol.
Follow all federal, state and departmental safety procedures.
Assist other members of the team with turnover cleaning of the surgical or procedural suite.
Assist in patient monitoring to ensure the comfort of the patient and provide verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient (when applicable).
Assist in maintaining normothermia.
Keep accurate records throughout the procedure.
Help transport the patient to the post anesthesia care unit.
Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient population.
Perform other related duties within skill set when assigned.