Surgical Technologist I
Bakersfield, California
Kern Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Surgical Technologist I

Location

• Bakersfield, California

Employment Type

• Clinical Allied Travel

Contract Length

• 13 weeks

Shift & Hours

• Day shift
• 10 hours per day, 40 hours per week

Job Summary

The Surgical Technologist I is an entry-level position responsible for assisting the surgical team by preparing the operating room, maintaining sterile technique, and supporting patient care throughout surgical procedures. The role requires anticipation of surgical team needs and adherence to safety and quality protocols.

Key Responsibilities

Preoperative Duties

• Verify patient identity and surgical procedure with consent forms
• Assist with patient transport and positioning using proper equipment and anatomical principles
• Prepare and open surgical supplies and equipment
• Perform surgical scrub and don sterile gown and gloves
• Conduct initial instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with RN
• Assist with draping and establishing the sterile field
• Participate in surgical site and patient verification during Time-Out Universal Protocol
• Secure tubing, cords, and sterile accessories
• Assist with surgical patient preparedness

Intraoperative/Post-Procedure Duties

• Anticipate and prepare additional instruments, equipment, and supplies as needed
• Label, measure, and pass medications, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions
• Hold retractors or instruments as directed
• Sponge or suction operative site as requested
• Cut suture material as directed
• Coordinate camera or robotic instruments during endoscopic surgery
• Maintain sterile technique and perform additional counts as necessary
• Prepare sterile dressings and immobilization devices
• Handle and pass specimens according to policy
• Clean and prepare instruments for sterilization and transport
• Participate in debriefing and quality improvement activities
• Secure dressings after incision closure
• Ensure all instruments are returned to processing department
• Follow all federal, state, and departmental safety procedures

Additional Duties

• Assist with turnover cleaning of surgical/procedural suite
• Monitor patient comfort and provide reassurance when applicable
• Assist in maintaining patient normothermia
• Maintain accurate procedural records
• Assist with patient transport to post-anesthesia care unit
• Provide care across all age groups from newborn to geriatric
• Perform other related duties within skill set as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology Training Program
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Surgical Technologist experience, including CVOR Technologist experience within the last year (minimum 1 year)
• Proficient knowledge of surgical technology principles
• Experience with robotic arm coordination

Skills & Competencies

• Patient identification and transport
• Patient positioning to avoid injury
• Surgical scrub and sterile field establishment
• Instrument counts and surgical site verification
• Medication, hemostatic agent, and irrigation solution handling
• Retraction, suctioning, suture cutting, and robotic instrument coordination
• Specimen handling and instrument sterilization
• Participation in Time-Out Universal Protocol and quality improvement processes
• Ability to work effectively in a surgical team environment

Experience

• Entry level position; no specific years of prior experience required

Additional Information

• Must maintain a high level of surgical conscience and vigilance to maintain sterile field and ensure quality patient care throughout procedures