Orthopedic Technician

Job Summary

Provide technical support to Emergency and Orthopedic Departments, and inpatient nursing, in the application of casts, orthopedic appliances and traction equipment. Assists providers with orthopedic procedures and other tasks associated with client care. Provides information to clients and staff regarding application and care of orthopedic equipment and casts.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to providers in the care of patients with orthopedic problems. Through proper application, adjustment, repair and removal of all types of casts, splints and soft appliances. In accordance with established procedures and under direction of M.D. or P.A.
• Provide technical support and assistance to providers during orthopedic procedures and post-operatively. Through proper application of casts, assisting with supplies and equipment, proper positioning of patients and transfer of patients to X-ray for films. Under direction of M.D. or P.A.
• Provide assistance and technical support to Emergency Department MDs and RNs in treatment and care of ED clients, providing wound care, transporting clients, assisting with clerical duties, and assisting with other procedures and tasks under direction and supervision of MD and RN staff.
• Set-up and adjust traction equipment in accordance with established procedure under direction of MDs.
• Provide information and instructions to clients regarding problems with casts or other orthopedic appliances under direction of MD and in accordance with departmental procedure.
• Ensure adequate amounts of orthopedic supplies and maintain orthopedic equipment by routine ordering of supplies and coordinating repair and replacement of equipment under supervision of department manager and in accordance with departmental procedure. Performs other duties as requested.
  
  

Experience

Basic Qualifications:

• Successful completion of an orthopedic cast tech training program or six (6) months casting and/or orthopedic experience.
• Completion of a college or vocational school class in medical terminology or ability to complete within six (6) months of employment.
• Final candidate must be able to successfully pass Kaiser Permanente casting test.
  
  

Education

• High school diploma or GED.
  
  

License, Certification, Registration

• Basic Life Support within 1 months of hire
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Working knowledge of casting and splinting techniques.
• Working knowledge of application of orthopedic appliances.
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology.
• Basic knowledge of fracture management.
• Basic knowledge of good oral and written communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of proper body mechanics.
• Ability to lift patients and equipment.
• Application of basic casts and splints and orthopedic appliances.
• Ability to identify and evaluate problems with casts, splints and orthopedic appliances.
• Ability to identify problems with circulation and skin integrity related to use of orthopedic treatments and modalities and refer to appropriate provider.
• Demonstrated skills in documenting patient care using medical terminology.
• Ability to apply basic knowledge of fracture management to patient care.
• Demonstrated written and oral skills in communicating with other staff and providers.
• Ability to use proper techniques of body mechanics in application of casts and splints and performance of other job duties.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year experience in an inpatient setting.
• EMT or Medical Corpsmen experience of one year of CNA/Medical Assistant experience.
• EMT or Medical Corpmen or CNA/Medical Assistant Cert.
• Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of care of patients with minor trauma injuries, minor patient care procedure.
• Basic knowledge of medical documentation.
• Working knowledge of traction application.
• Demonstrated skills in patient care including vital signs, minor wound care and dressing, lifting and turning of patients.
• Demonstrated written communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills identifying major bones and joints.
• Familiarity with traction equipment, set-up and application.
  
  

Notes

• Start of shift can be as early as 7:30am for 8-hour shift at all Cast Room locations. End of shift can be as late as 10pm at SYB Cast Room.