Orthopedic Technician

Summary The Orthopedic Patient Care Assistant is responsible for removing sutures from wounds, applying antiseptic and anti‑bacterial ointment, redressing and recasting, applying and removing various types of casts, checking for circulation impediments, and preparing preoperatively by bi‑valving casts or windowing them for exposure of wounds. The assistant maintains, cleans, and regularly checks portable carts with all equipment needed anywhere in the hospital. Qualifications To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements, including time‑in‑grade for current federal employees, and meet the qualifications for a GS‑7 level. An SF‑50 showing time‑in‑grade eligibility must be submitted. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade of GS‑6, in the normal line of progression for the occupation. Examples include: Applies and removes various types of casts, and prepares preoperatively by bi‑valving or windowing them for exposure of wounds. Removes sutures from wounds, applies antiseptic and anti‑bacterial ointment, redresses, and recasts if indicated. Maintains, cleans, and regularly checks portable carts with all equipment needed for emergency orthopedic procedures anywhere in the hospital. Performs a wide range of diagnostic support duties, including taking and recording vital signs, obtaining and labeling specimens for the lab, and assisting the provider with diagnostic examinations by positioning, draping patients, and assisting with instruments. Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level, one full year of graduate education that meets the requirements for GS‑7 is required. A transcript must be submitted if basing qualifications on education. Combination: Applicants may combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Applicants must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond a bachelor’s degree. A transcript must be submitted if basing qualifications on education. Physical Requirements: Lifting, pulling, bending, pushing, walking, and standing; working with equipment and devices that may produce injury to the employee or the patient. Duties Applies and removes various types of casts, checking periodically to ascertain whether circulation is impeded. Removes sutures from wounds, applies antiseptic and antibacterial ointment, redresses, and recasts if indicated. Responds to all patient needs in a courteous manner and ensures appropriate documentation for workload is completed while maintaining confidentiality of patient information. Provides instruction to patients on their role in various procedures, covering information previously supplied by other health team members. Records vital signs, obtains and labels specimens for the lab, and assists the provider with a variety of diagnostic examinations by positioning and draping patients and assisting with instruments as directed. Initiates emergency procedures for which the employee is trained (e.g., cardiopulmonary arrest, behavior code, code green, code yellow, fire) with no supervision immediately after identifying the emergency situation. Performs order entry duties from provider order sheets and clerical duties including typing, taking minutes, and others assigned. Participates in improving organizational performance activities. Cooperates with team members. Attends and signs in at in‑services on new equipment and/or equipment that is changed or has demonstrated a hazard. Completes all assignments with minimum supervision. Sets up, maintains, cleans, and regularly checks a portable cart with equipment needed for emergency orthopedic procedures anywhere in the hospital. Always properly identifies the patient, verifies that all medical records and X‑rays are available for visits, prepares examining rooms, assists in undressing and dressing patients if assistance is needed. Provides assistance in seeing that the list of no‑show patients is reviewed and rescheduled as appropriate. Reports non‑emergent patient concerns and conditions to the RN team leader. Responds to all patient needs in a courteous manner. Adheres to established lines of authority and communication. Consistently discusses suggestions, special requests, problems, or complaints initially with team leader. Reports to team leader upon leaving and returning from breaks and meals, completing mandatory review information as required and assigned. Demonstrates competence according to safety and emergency policy/procedure with limited supervision and reports all accidents to supervisor at time of occurrence. Work Schedule: 8:00 am–4:30 pm Monday–Friday. #J-18808-Ljbffr