Technologists, Orthopedic

Orthopedic Technologist

Under administrative supervision by the Department Manager and under direct clinical supervision by the department physicians and advance practice providers, assists the physician/provider with all routine procedures including applying casts, splints, bandages, and durable medical equipment and orthopedic surgical procedures as described below. Provides written instructions for patients in the use of various orthopedic devices and sets up and maintains supplies and equipment.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Applies all type of casts, splints, braces, bandages, slings, or other orthopedic devices by determining proper positioning, angulations and type of device according to the instruction of the provider & pre-determined orthopedic procedures and techniques.
• Attends to patients during follow up visits by checking casts, splints, and other applicable orthopedic devices.
• Coordinates activities of the cast room with other clinic functions.
• Evaluates new items such as plaster and ready-made braces to ensure compliance with pre-determined standard.
• Trains and orients newly hired Orthopedic Technicians and serves as a preceptor and resource for educating other members, and staff.
• Removes casts, splints and orthopedic devices.
• Attends to conditions such as comfort and circulation problems, trimming, removing & reapplying casts, splints, etc.as ordered by the provider.
• Fits and instructs members in the use of crutches, canes, & other devices, documents charges on standard form.
• Prepares the patient for procedures.
• Sets up instruments and equipment for procedures.
• Applies and removes bandages and dressings that does not involve debridement.
• Provides pre-printed written instructions to patients regarding proper cast care and use of crutches and devices.
• Removes sutures or staples from superficial incisions after suture/staples have been assessed for removal by RN or provider.
• Assists patients in ambulation and transfers.
• Collects and records patient data including height, weight, temperature, pulse, respirations rate and blood pressure and basic information about the presenting and previous conditions(s). Addresses care gaps triggered in Health Connect per departmental workflow.
• Records patient care services provided in the medical record.
• Maintains and ensures operational readiness of equipment and supplies.
• Prepares patient for exams by reviewing history, collecting current information and appropriate vital signs, documenting in the medical record according to guidelines (e.g., hearing, vision, blood pressure).
• Provides intervention ordered by practitioner (e.g., medication, dressings, specimen collections, irrigations, suture removals, and IVs) and documents patient response.
• Responsible for ordering radiology test using Departmental Standing orders and under the direction of the practitioner. Communication of these ordered tests to patients, family members, and referring practitioners.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum three (3) years of orthopedic technologist experience: including but not limited to casting, fabricating splints, and dispensing durable medical equipment.

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited Orthopedic Technician program or equivalent training in the military within the last three (3) years.
• High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) required.

License, Certification, Registration:

• Orthopedic Technologist Certificate from National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists OR Registered Orthopedic Technologist Certification from American Society of Orthopedic Professionals
• Basic Life Support required at hire

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to utilize principles, practices and techniques of basic human anatomy, types of fractures, orthopedic equipment and use of casts and splints.
• Ability to demonstrate and apply knowledge of cast application, traction and orthopedic appliance application.
• Ability to demonstrate and utilize knowledge of surgical orthopedic and sterile techniques.
• Excellent customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum five (5) years of orthopedic technologist experience.