Surgical Technician (Per Diem)
Company : Sonoma Valley Hospital
Location : Sonoma, CA, 95476
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Overview
Performs a variety of roles to assist in the care of patients in the operating room in accordance with established policies and protocols for surgical technologists.
Responsibilities
Contributes to a safe, effective environment for the surgical patient. Contributes to a culture of safety. Applies and enforces principles of aseptic technique. Checks all equipment to be used on sterile field and reports or corrects unsafe conditions prior to placing on the sterile field.
Verifies exposure to sterilization process and integrity of sterile packaging. Demonstrates ability to operate sterilizers and all equipment used in operating room.
Assists surgeon and first assistant by passing surgical instruments, supplies, and sponges. Assists as needed when no assistant is available.
Initiates sponge, instrument, and sharp counts at the appropriate time. Maintains awareness of location of all countable items throughout the procedure in order to maintain a correct count.
Assists with the adequate preparation of the operating room for surgery. Communicates with circulating nurse concerning proper preparation and disposition of specimens. Aides nurses with duties related to the care of the patient while in the operating room.
Organizes and inspects surgical instrumentation. Checks for cleanliness, damage, and function. Reports any damaged instruments to sterile processing for repair or replacement and replaces on the field as needed.
Pulls disposable supplies for scheduled surgical cases according to the preference cards 3 business days in advance in order to ensure any missing supplies can be obtained in time for the case. Communicates missing supplies to surgical purchaser.
Creates and updates surgeons preference cards as needed.
Fills in for sterile processing staff when they are unavailable. Decontaminates & inspects instruments. Able to run the washer decontaminator, ultrasonic cleaner, sterilizers, and scope cleaning equipment according to policies and procedures.
Participates in continuing education to improve skills and abilities and stay abreast of current technologies.
Qualifications
Education: Completion of Surgical Technician program required. Certification preferred.Experience: Minimum of 1 year related experience or equivalent.Licenses & Certifications: BLS; Surgical Technician Certification preferred.Required Skills & Knowledge: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, must have the ability to read and comprehend written instructions to interpret medical orders and medical records. Able to utilize deductive reasoning, common sense and critical thinking to problem solve and demonstrate the ability to make independent, appropriate judgments based upon evidence based practice.
Compensation
Actual compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.Minimum:
USD $44.43Maximum:
USD $61.10Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Sonoma's healthcare sector shows moderate demand for per diem surgical techs, with several facilities seeking flexible, skilled staff. Competition varies by certification status, making a surgical technician credential a strong advantage in securing shifts at local hospitals like Sonoma Valley Hospital.
Traffic patterns near Sonoma can lead to longer commute times during peak hours. Surgical techs working per diem should plan for flexible travel times, especially since shifts may vary, ensuring punctual arrival for operating room readiness and patient care.
Mastery of aseptic techniques, instrument handling, and sharp count protocols are vital. The role demands quick adaptability to assist surgeons efficiently and maintain sterile fields, ensuring patient safety and smooth surgical workflows on a per diem basis.
Per diem surgical technicians often leverage experience to pursue certification, specialize in surgical specialties, or transition into full-time surgical technologist roles. Continuing education and hands-on exposure at hospitals like Sonoma Valley Hospital open avenues for career advancement.
Trainees typically assist with instrument prep, sterile field maintenance, and basic patient care under supervision. Per diem schedules offer varied exposure to cases, accelerating skill development while adapting to the dynamic demands of surgical environments.
Sonoma Valley Hospital prioritizes a culture of safety and continuous learning. Per diem surgical techs are expected to uphold rigorous aseptic standards, proactively communicate with OR teams, and demonstrate flexibility to cover varied surgical cases efficiently.
While specific programs vary, Sonoma Valley Hospital encourages continuing education and may provide access to skill development resources. Per diem surgical techs benefit from collaborative environments that support certification pursuits like the Certified Surgical Technologist credential.
Compensation typically spans from $44.43 to $61.10 per hour, reflecting factors like experience, certifications, and departmental needs. This range aligns with Sonoma’s market rates for surgical support roles, emphasizing competitive pay for skilled per diem staff.
Per diem surgical techs often experience more variable schedules and may cover multiple surgical specialties. While core tasks remain the same—instrument management, sterile field maintenance—the role demands agility in handling different case types and collaborating flexibly with OR staff.
Although certification is preferred, the hospital values candidates with completion of accredited surgical technician programs and current BLS certification. Certified Surgical Technologist credentials enhance employability and readiness for diverse surgical assignments.