Senior Orthopedic Technician - Orthopedics (Medical Center)

At Houston Methodist, the Sr Orthopedic Technician position is responsible for assisting physicians and professional nursing personnel applying splints, fiberglass, plaster and custom molding casts. This position exhibits proficiency in application/removal of traction, splints, fiberglass casts, custom orthotic molding and fitting and plaster casts as directed by physician orders. The Sr Orthopedic Technician position educates patients in proper care of casts/splints/dressings/wound care. This position assists in the Imaging department, when needed, to develop film and escort patients to and from exam rooms.

FLSA Status

Non-exempt

Qualifications

Education

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

Experience

• Two years experience as orthopedic technician
• One year experience in casting/bracing

Licenses and Certifications

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association
• ROT - Registered Orthopedic Technologist (ASOP) - American Society of Orthopedic Professionals_PSV

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Knowledgeable of Advanced Beneficiary Notices, insurance and authorizations
• Knowledge of aseptic technique
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills (written and verbal communication, ability to deal with challenging situations, etc.)
• Demonstrates independence and exercises judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team, patients and their families
• Displays strong time management skills
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including but not limited to organizing workflows and actively participating in problem-solving
• Ability to provide a supportive and engaging environment that enhances the quality of life for patients

People Essential Functions

• Establishes and maintains professional relationships, trust and credibility with all on the healthcare team, serving as primary point of contact for plasters, splints and traction with physicians and nursing staff, by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Role models therapeutic communication, which includes active listening and teaching, to establish a relationship with patients, families and interprofessional health care team on collaboration. Problem-solves, assists other techs, managing several ongoing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Initiates contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

Service Essential Functions

• Assists physicians with reduction of fractures/traction.
• Provides education to patients in proper care of casts, splints, dressings and wound care. Ensures understanding and reeducates as appropriate.
• Assists in Radiology department when needed to develop film and escort patients to and from exam rooms.
• Role models behaviors and skills, through peer-to-peer accountability, towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.

Quality/Safety Essential Functions

• Exhibits proficiency in application/removal of traction, splints, fiberglass casts, custom orthotic molding and fitting and plaster casts as directed by physician orders.
• Accurately measures patients for custom & off the shelf braces.
• Cleans/sterilizes instruments used in cast room according to safety standards and protocols.
• Initiates opportunities for process improvement, providing recommendations impacting quality and safety targets, and collaborating with the interprofessional team. Contributes towards meeting department targets for quality and safety.

Finance Essential Functions

• Uses knowledge as to which DME braces require authorization and assists in obtaining authorization when needed. Utilizes medical record documentation system to complete estimates, as appropriate. Ensures accurate patient charges and charts treatment in appropriate patient record.
• Maintain proper inventory for cast room materials. Orders supplies and evaluates new products and devices for possible future use. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime and prioritize daily tasks.

Growth/Innovation Essential Functions

• Applies willingness to learn new acceptable casting and bracing techniques as they are introduced, to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and department activities. Completes and updates My Development plan on an on-going basis, including the development of advanced skills.

Supplemental Requirements

Work Attire

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

On-Call

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

Travel

**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No