Surgical Technician II - Surgery - Per Diem 10 Hour Rotating Shifts (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California Keck Medicine in Los Angeles is seeking a Surgical Tech II under the general guidance of the Registered Nurse. The role requires proficiency in advanced surgical aseptic techniques and supports a triad of complex procedures across head/neck, neuro, spine, and ortho cases.

You will prepare, sterilize, and maintain instruments, assist in passing instruments, maintain sterile fields, and mentor students while contributing to ongoing process improvements and

Qualifications

• Completion of a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technician Program is required.
• One year of experience as a Surgical Technician or as a Surgical Technician intern.
• Surgical Technician intern experience must be paid and completed at Keck Medicine of USC.
• Active practice as a Surgical Technician within the six (6) months prior to application.
• Strong organization/time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the surgical team and perform duties in the operating room.
• Prepare, sterilize, and clean surgical instruments.
• Maintain aseptic technique and safety standards.
• Set up and arrange sterile operating room for cases.
• Pass instruments and scrub during procedures.
• Mentor students as a preceptor.
• Contribute to equipment and supplies evaluation and process improvements.
• Transport patients and supplies as needed.

Skills

Surgical tech experience

Time management

Verbal communication

Written communication

CAAHEP accreditation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technician Program

Surgical Technologist (CST) certification

BLS Healthcare Provider certification

Fire Life Safety Training (LA City)

Job description

Under general guidance of the Registered Nurse, the Surgical Tech II applies, demonstrates, and possesses proficient/advance knowledge, competencies, and skills of surgical and aseptic techniques and practices; assists the surgical team and performs a variety of tasks in an operating room; prepares, sterilizes, and cleans up surgical equipment and instruments; and is responsible for the care and safety of patients who come under his/her care.

Essential Duties

Performs similar responsibilities as the Surgical Tech I but distinguishes from the Tech I in that the Surgical Tech II is an intermediate to advance level position and is generally assigned a triad of difficult surgical/operative procedures (such as Head, Neck, Neuro, Spine and/or Ortho surgeries) which requires proficient/advance knowledge, skills, and ability to adapt to the operative procedure. Adheres to all safety standards and policies (such as surgical, specimen collection, sterile processing, Title 22, JCAHO) as they relate while performing all responsibilities. Applies principles of aseptic technique and initiates prompt corrective action when breaks in aseptic technique occur. Remains attentive throughout the operative procedure, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, and responds appropriately during emergency intraoperative crises. Maintains ongoing communication with the circulating nurse and other members of the surgical team regarding changes in patient status or the progress of surgery. Arranges and inventories sterile set-up for operation. Facilitates the smooth flow of the surgical intervention (i.e., prepares for the procedure with updated preference cards, knowledge of instruments and equipment). Performs scrub role (such as anticipating surgical team’s needs, passing of instruments, cutting sutures, etc.) according to standards. Prepares, cleans, and maintains instruments, equipment, and all surgical related items in accordance to established guidelines. Transports patients, equipment, supplies, and specimens. Prepares operating room (OR) by setting up tables, instruments, and supplies in according to type of case/operative procedure. Performs the preceptor role in the training of students. Participates in decision-marking activities related to evaluating and acquiring surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies. Recommends, implements, and participates process improvement projects on an ongoing basis. May mentor and/or lead other surgical technician May assist in performing circulating skills and task. Performs all duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Req High School or equivalent
• Req Specialized/technical training Completion of a CAAHEP accredited Surgical Technician Program is required.
• Req 1 year One-year experience as a Surgical Technician or as a Surgical Technician intern required.
• *Surgical Technician intern experience must be paid and completed at Keck Medicine of USC.
• Req Active practice as a Surgical Technician within the six (6) months prior to application
• Req Organization/time management skills.
• Req Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Req Surgical Technologist - CST Valid Surgical Tech certification (CST) from accreditation organizations CAAHEP or ABHES
• Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

The hourly rate range for this position is $34.50 - $58.65.

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety.

Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility

Keck Medicine of USC is the University of Southern California’s medical enterprise, one of only two university-based medical systems in the Los Angeles area. Keck Medicine combines academic excellence, world-class research and state-of-the-art facilities to provide highly specialized care for some of the most acute patients in the country. Our internationally renowned physicians and scientists provide world-class patient care at Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, USC Arcadia Hospital and more than 100 unique clinics in Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Tulare and Ventura counties. Keck Medical Center of USC, which includes Keck Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital, is among the top 50 hospitals in the country in 8 specialties, as well as the top three hospitals in metro Los Angeles and top 10 hospitals in California, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Hospitals rankings.