Level I - Surgical Technologist
Kaiser Permanente
San Diego, CA
0x8 hrs, Days

Under close supervision, assists during surgery as a member of the surgical team by preparing and organizing operating room prior to surgery, selecting and passing instruments during surgical procedures, maintaining operating room in aseptic condition following established policies and procedures; and assists with patient care during and after surgery Conforms to prescribed policies and procedures regarding aseptic techniques. Maintains cooperative, courteous relationship with the patients, public, and other personnel.

• Assists physician during surgery as a member of surgical team.


• Passes instruments and supplies as directed.


• Scrubs and conforms to sterile technique for each procedure.


• Assists in draping the patient. (previously stated positioning and draping patient).


• Provides proper retraction of tissue.


• At the direction of the surgeon, can hold retractor (but cannot place retractor).


• Assists in controlling hemostasis by applying a Bovie to a clamp at the direction of the surgeon.


• Assists with sponging, suctioning, and performing sponge, needle/sharp, and instrument counts.


• Prepares suture for closure of surgical incision.


• Applies proper surgical dressing as directed by physician. (wound healing and dressings).


• Recognizes, responds to, and assists in acute emergency situations following established procedures and policies.


• Hold and position video camera under direction of the surgeon.


• Check surgeons' preference cards (removed gown) and prepare sterile setup for surgeon.


• Count with circulating nurse, before she/he preps the patient.


• Be accountable for items required for documentation on that procedure.


• Anticipate wants of surgeon and keep adequate sutures and supplies ready.


• Keep Mayo Stand and Back table neat and orderly, make sure that there are no loose needles on the field.


• Prepares suture for closure of surgical incision.


• Applies proper surgical dressing as directed by physician. (wound healing and dressings).


• Recognizes, responds to, and assists in acute emergency situations following established procedures and policies.


• Confirm all specimens with the surgeon.


• Handoff specimens to the circulator prior to the end of the case or earlier if direction of the surgeon.


• Takes all instruments to workroom for washing or places in cart to return to SPD.


• Remove suction bottles, etc., disposes of any contaminated instruments.


• Adheres to methods of sterilization, disinfecting, antisepsis & aseptic techniques.


• Packaging, storing and dispensing surgery supplies.


• Principals for maintaining environmental safety: including handing of surgical specimens and body fluids.


• Required counts.


• Electrical and radiation hazards, fire safety.


• Drains, tubes, and collection mechanisms, catheters.


• Modes of transportation to and from the O.R., including ICU transport.


• Patient care and emergency procedures. cardiopulmonary resuscitation.


• Assists surgeons with surgical procedures, in other patient areas according to patient needs, i.e. toucheostoy and PDA repair in NICU.


• Other duties as assigned or required.

• Minimum one (1) year of operating room or military equivalent experience in scrub role within the last two years or recent completion of operating room training program.


• Per the National Agreement, current KP Coalition employees have this experience requirement waived.

• N/A

• Surgical Technologist Certificate within six (6) months of hire from National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting OR National Center for Competency Testing Certificate - Technologist in Surgery within six (6) months of hire from National Center for Competency Testing

• Basic Life Support

• Ability to scrub all types of surgical cases except open heart.

• Prior experience as First Assistant preferred.

• Variable start time, 7:00 am - 8:00 am, ten (10) hour shift with back up shift 8-hour shift if desired, 10:00 am - 6:30 pm.


• May travel to San Marcos or Otay Mesa if needed.