Orthopedic Technician

Overview Under general supervision, to assist physicians by carrying out orders for application, modification, and removal of splints, casts, and traction and by assisting with insertion and removal of pins, reduction of bone fractures, and external fixations. Responsibilities Greets and explains splint, cast, or traction procedures to patients. Applies a wide variety of splints, casts, soft goods, and traction to patients on the basis of physicians' orders. Sets up traction for transporting patients to other departments. Evaluates the condition of casts or splints and soft goods and repairs or replaces them as appropriate. Bivalves, univalves, and removes all types of casts following physicians' orders. Performs cast wedging per physicians’ orders. Inspects cast-related wounds on request and removes staples and stitches as ordered. Prepares patients, sets up equipment and medications, and assists physicians in inserting and removing pins, reducing fractures, and performing external fixations. Instructs patients regarding cast care, ambulation limitations, walking with crutches, dressing wounds in casts, and identifying symptoms of problems with casts. Identifies problems with casts and makes repairs as needed. Observes the condition of patients and informs the physician if relevant to the procedure being contemplated. Makes appropriate charges for traction and equipment and returns equipment not currently in use. Orders supplies and equipment. Makes appropriate documentation for patient care, billing, supplies, and equipment. Assists in carrying out orders in the Emergency and Operating rooms as requested. May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required* Performs other related duties, as required. Employment Standards Education Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities. Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through one (1) year of full-time experience working or being trained as an orthopedic technician OR successful completion of a recognized course program evidenced by a certificate as an Orthopedic Technician. Special Requirements Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization. *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered. Knowledge Of Types of casts, splints, and traction devices and the specific conditions for which each is used. Methods and techniques of applying, modifying, repairing, and removing a complete range of casts and splints. Methods of setting up and adjusting a complete range of traction devices. Safety protocols, including sterile and aseptic techniques. Safety procedures. English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Common computer systems and applications. Ability To Instruct patients regarding care of casts and related matters. Deal and communicate effectively with traumatized persons. Follow physicians' orders regarding casting, splinting, and setting up traction. Document and bill accordingly. Work in inpatient and outpatient areas. Read and understand material safety data sheets and other safety communications. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies. Physical Requirements Stand and sit for long periods of time and exercise a moderate amount of physical exertion, stamina, and manual dexterity in the handling of patients and equipment. Assist, support, lift, and transfer patients in a safe manner. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of Santa Clara