Surgical Technologist - Per Diem

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

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. Per diem employees supplement department staffing needs, with no guarantee of minimum hours; the minimum scheduling expectation is four shifts per four-week schedule. Under general supervision, the Surgical Technologist II handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment required for surgical or 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. The position supports patient care from preoperative preparation through intraoperative and post-procedure activities, and demonstrates clinical knowledge in caring for newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. The estimated pay is $32.5817 to $40.0713. This represents only a portion of total compensation; differentials, incentives, and bonuses may also be available. Depending on assignment, applicants may need to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Kern Medical employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and are expected to remain at work or report as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster. If driving is required, applicable California driver's license and vehicle-use policy requirements apply.

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.
A minimum of 3+ years of experience in an acute care operating-room setting.
Strong working knowledge of aseptic technique.
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 required American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card is not held 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 employment.
If driving a personal vehicle is required, hold a current valid California Driver's License and comply with the applicable vehicle-use and driving policy.
If driving a vehicle owned, leased, or rented by Kern Medical is required, hold a current valid California Driver's License, sign an authorization for release of driver's record information, and comply with the applicable vehicle-use and driving policy.

Nice To Haves

Surgical trauma experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with transferring and positioning patients, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid injury.
Identify patients, verify the planned surgery against consent forms, and assist with patient transport to the procedural suite when requested.
Gather, check, and open supplies and equipment needed for surgical or invasive procedures.
Perform the surgical scrub and don gown and gloves using sterile technique.
Perform initial and additional instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the RN according to policy and as required.
Assist with patient draping and establishment of the sterile field; participate in surgical-site and patient verification during the Time-Out Universal Protocol.
Secure tubing, cords, sterile accessories, and dressings; assist with surgical patient preparedness.
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 the camera 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 according to policy.
Prepare sterile dressings and immobilization devices; prepare and pass off specimens according to policy.
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 to support quality patient care.
Follow federal, state, and departmental safety procedures.
Assist with turnover cleaning of the surgical or procedural suite and other team duties within the employee's skill set when requested.
Assist with patient monitoring, comfort, and verbal and tactile reassurance when applicable; assist in maintaining normothermia.
Keep accurate records throughout procedures and help transport patients to the post-anesthesia care unit.
Perform other related duties within the employee's skill set when assigned.