Surgical Technologist - Full Time - Shift

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Kern Medical is hiring a full-time Surgical Technologist I/II. Under close supervision, the Surgical Technologist I handles required instruments, supplies, and equipment and maintains sterile technique during surgical and invasive procedures, including work in adjunct areas such as anesthesia technology, endoscopy, and OB/GYN. Under general supervision, the Surgical Technologist II performs these duties as an experienced certified professional in a fast-paced surgical environment, anticipating the needs of the surgical team.

The position provides support before, during, and after procedures. Duties include preparing the patient and procedural suite, maintaining the sterile field, assisting the surgical team during procedures, documenting procedure-related information, and helping with patient transport and suite turnover. The role requires clinical knowledge and skill in caring for patients from newborn through geriatric populations.

The estimated pay range is $28.5738 to $46.4142 per hour, including a 6% premium. Additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. The position may also be eligible for participation and employer contributions in the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan. A 10% shift differential applies to hours worked from 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM, with a two-hour minimum.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology Training Program; for Level II, the program must be accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.
• If not already holding an American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at hire, 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.
• 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, including understanding and applying surgical technology principles and legal, ethical, and moral responsibilities to patients and team members.
• For Surgical Technologist II: Surgical Technician Certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting is required, except that incumbents designated as Surgical Technician II at the time of the January 2017 job specification revision may be grandfathered without certification.
• For Surgical Technologist II: A minimum of 3+ years of experience in an acute care operating room setting.
• For Surgical Technologist II: Validated competencies in all designated surgical subspecialties.

Nice To Haves

• Surgical trauma experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with transferring patients to the operating room table and transporting them to the procedural suite when requested.
• Identify the patient and verify the planned surgery against consent forms.
• Assist with patient positioning using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid injury.
• Gather, check, and open supplies and equipment needed for 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 policy and procedure.
• 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, and other sterile accessories, and assist with surgical patient preparedness.
• Anticipate and prepare additional instruments, equipment, and supplies during 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 throughout procedures.
• Assist team members with turnover cleaning of surgical or procedural suites.
• Assist in monitoring patient comfort and provide verbal and tactile reassurance when applicable.
• Assist in maintaining patient normothermia and support OR staff within the employee’s skill set when requested.
• Keep accurate records throughout procedures 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.

Benefits

• New-hire premium of 6% of base pay; matched up to 6% if contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• 10% shift differential 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.
• Potential participation and employer contributions in 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