Surgical Technologist - Full Time - Shift

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

7h • $29 - $46

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. It provides primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services, including high-risk pregnancy care, inpatient psychiatric services, and outpatient clinics.

The Surgical Technologist I works under close supervision and handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment required for surgical or invasive procedures while maintaining sterile technique. The role may cover adjunct positions such as Anesthesia Technician, Endoscopy, and OB/GYN. The Surgical Technologist II works under general supervision and performs similar duties. Level I is an entry-level professional role; Level II is for an experienced certified professional expected to work efficiently in a fast-paced surgical environment, understand procedures, and anticipate the surgical team's needs.

The position supports patients and the surgical team before, during, and after procedures. Duties include preparing the patient and sterile field, maintaining instruments and supplies, supporting the surgical team during procedures, assisting with patient monitoring and transport, documenting procedure-related information, and helping turn over the surgical suite. The role requires maintaining sterile technique and demonstrating clinical knowledge across newborn, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient populations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology Training Program; Level II specifies CAAHEP or ABHES accreditation.
• 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 thereafter.
• Strong working knowledge of aseptic technique.
• 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.
• For Level II, Surgical Technician Certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting is required, with an exception for incumbents designated Surgical Technician II at the January 2017 job specification revision who may be grandfathered without certification.
• For Level II, a minimum of 3+ years of experience in an acute care OR setting.
• For Level II, validated competencies in all designated surgical sub-specialties.
• Depending on assignment, pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted; disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses is assessed case by case.
• If duties require driving a personal vehicle, hold 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, hold a current valid California Driver's License, sign an authorization for release of driver record information, and comply with the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119).
• As a Kern County employee designated a Disaster Service Worker, remain at work or report as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.

Nice To Haves

• Surgical trauma experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with transferring patients to the operating room table and, when requested, identify the patient, verify the procedure against consent forms, and assist with transport to the procedural suite.
• Assist with patient positioning using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid injury.
• 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 instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the RN according to Kern Medical policy and procedure.
• Assist with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field; participate in surgical site and patient verification during the Time-Out Universal Protocol.
• Secure tubing, cords, and other sterile accessories and assist with surgical patient preparedness.
• Anticipate and prepare additional instrumentation, equipment, and supplies needed throughout procedures.
• Label, measure, and pass medications, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions used during procedures.
• Hold retractors or instruments as directed by the surgical team; sponge or suction the operative site as requested; and cut suture material as directed.
• Coordinate the camera or change robotic arms and instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgical team.
• Maintain the highest standard of sterile technique.
• Assist team members with turnover cleaning of the surgical or procedural suite.
• Assist with patient monitoring and comfort, provide verbal and tactile reassurance when applicable, and help maintain normothermia.
• Assist OR staff as needed within the employee's skill set and keep accurate records throughout procedures.
• 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.

Benefits

• New Hire Premium: 6% of base rate of pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Shift differential pay of 10% of base pay for hours worked from 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with a two-hour minimum.
• Comprehensive benefits package including holidays, paid time off, retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• May be eligible for participation and company contributions into the Kern County Employees' Retirement Plan.
• Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED