Surgical Technologist - Per Diem

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

36d•$33 - $40

About The Position

Kern Medical is an acute care teaching center with 222 beds and the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. The Surgical Technologist II works under general supervision, handling the instruments, supplies, and equipment required for surgical and invasive procedures while maintaining sterile technique. This experienced, certified professional works efficiently in a fast-paced surgical environment, understands the procedures being performed, and anticipates the needs of the surgical team. This is a per diem role that supplements department staffing needs, with no guaranteed minimum hours and an expectation of at least four shifts per four-week schedule. The role supports patient care throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-procedure phases. Duties include preparing the patient, operating room, sterile field, instruments, supplies, and equipment; assisting the surgical team during procedures; maintaining counts and sterile technique; handling specimens and medications according to policy; and preparing instruments for processing. The technologist also helps with patient monitoring, reassurance, normothermia, suite turnover, documentation, and patient transport, and performs other related duties within their skill set. The estimated pay is $32.5817 to $40.0713. This reflects only a portion of the total compensation package; differentials, incentives, and bonuses may also be available.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology Training Program (CAAHEP or ABHES).
Surgical Technician Certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting; incumbents designated as Surgical Technician II at the time of the January 2017 job specification revision may be grandfathered without certification.
Strong working knowledge of aseptic technique.
At least 3 years of experience in an acute care operating room setting.
Validated competencies in all designated surgical subspecialties.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during operative procedures and maintain the sterile field.
Maintain a high level of surgical conscience and demonstrate understanding and application of surgical technology principles and legal, ethical, and moral responsibilities to patients and team members.
If the employee does not have an American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at hire, successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment; maintain RQI Responder certification and competency as a condition of continued employment.
Depending on assignment, pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted; potential disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses is assessed case by case.
As a Disaster Service Worker, remain at work or report as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.
If duties require driving a personal vehicle, possess a current valid California Driver’s License and comply with the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119).
If duties require driving a vehicle owned, leased, or rented by Kern Medical, possess a current valid California Driver’s License, sign an authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information, and comply with the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119).

Nice To Haves

Surgical trauma experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with transferring and positioning patients, verifying patient identity and procedure, and transporting patients to the procedural suite when requested.
Gather, check, and open supplies and equipment needed for surgical or invasive procedures.
Perform surgical scrubs and don gowns and gloves using sterile technique.
Perform initial and additional instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the RN according to policy; perform instrumentation counts before procedures when applicable.
Assist with draping patients, establishing the sterile field, patient preparedness, and participation in the Time-Out Universal Protocol.
Secure tubing, cords, sterile accessories, and dressings.
Anticipate and prepare additional instrumentation, equipment, and supplies throughout procedures.
Label, measure, and pass medications, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions used during procedures.
Hold retractors or instruments, sponge or suction the operative site, and cut suture material as directed by the surgical team.
Coordinate cameras or change robotic arms and instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed.
Maintain sterile technique and participate in all phases of the Time-Out Universal Protocol.
Prepare sterile dressings or immobilization devices and pass off specimens according to policy and procedure.
Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization and transport; ensure required instrumentation is returned to the Processing Department according to protocol.
Participate in debriefing and quality improvement practices.
Follow federal, state, and departmental safety procedures.
Assist with turnover cleaning of surgical or procedural suites.
Assist with patient monitoring, comfort, verbal and tactile reassurance, and maintenance of normothermia when applicable.
Assist OR staff as needed within the technologist's skill set, keep accurate procedure records, and help transport patients to the post-anesthesia care unit.
Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in caring for newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Perform other related duties within the employee's skill set when assigned.