General Summary

Under general supervision, assist physicians during examination of orthopedic patients and assist in maintaining orthopedic equipment and supplies.Fulfillment of the job duties requires the employee to have access to medication storage areas.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

• The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
• Completes tasks to facilitate clinic visit. Clean and stock patient exam rooms and treatment areas, take and record patients vital signs in electronic medical record, create follow up appointments, pend orders under the direction of the provider.
• Assists physicians during examination of orthopedic patients in order to help reduce fractures by positioning and preparing patients for casting procedures in accordance with departmental procedures, and specific instructions of the responsible physician.
• Prepares patients for injections of musculoskeletal areas by placing them in proper position and performing skin preparation, following department protocols/procedures.
• Measures and fit patients for braces and other Orthopedic devices.
• Applies and removes routine orthopedic traction devices, casts, bandages, trappings and splints, making minor adjustments as necessary, under the direction of a physician.
• Change dressing and care for wounds including wound VACs.
• Ensures clean, orderly and properly stocked inventory of orthopedic supplies/equipment, such as, casting materials and traction equipment in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Distributes, erects and collects orthopedic equipment from other hospital departments and nursing units as needed.
• Assists physicians in instructing students, Jr. Residents and Emergency Room personnel in the proper orthopedic techniques, practices and procedures, as requested.
• Instructs students and demonstrates application, fitting and removal of casts, application of traction devices and appropriate instruction to patients on use of crutches and other orthopedic equipment/devices.Instructs and assists patients in walking with crutches and simple therapeutic exercises.
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• Assists physicians with the treatment of patients with orthopedic injuries from the Emergency Room in accordance with departmental procedures, such as, performing casting and use of orthopedic devices.
• May assist Orthopedic Surgeons in the operating room by performing the duties of OR Technician (after completing a scrub orientation) according to established OR protocols.
• Maintain appropriate inventories of orthopedic equipment and supplies (including hard and soft goods), such as, slings, braces, immobilizers and casting materials. Tracks inventory levels; submits supply list to Nursing Manager for ordering.
• Functions effectively in all Ortho Tech roles specific to clinic. Works independently and serves as a resource for others. May precept new Ortho Techs within the clinic.
• Assists with the development and evaluation of clinical processes and orientation program relevant to the Ortho Tech Role.
• Responsible for self-learning; attends educational offerings and in-services independently.
• Models customer service behaviors. Identifies and integrates best practices for service and operations.
• Contributes to clinic based education and PI efforts; assists in the development of action plans and supports implementation.
• Fully participates in clinic huddles/staff meetings; plays active role in clinic shared governance.
• Actively contributes to clinic operations such as supply management, equipment maintenance, and sch3eduling.
• Addresses environment of care needs and plays active role in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

III.Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required.

1. Certification as a Registered Orthopedic Technologist is required.

1. 3 years of related experience is required.

1. Completion of a training course in orthopedic technology plus one year of internship in orthopedics, or two and a half years experience as an aide in a medical facility, including two years experience assisting in orthopedics is required.

1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Fundamental knowledge of the human musculoskeletal anatomy and of types of fractures and possible effects and dangers to the patient and understanding of routine medical terminology, is required.

1. Knowledge of techniques and procedures used in the treatment and care of orthopedic patients, including those used in the OR. General knowledge of simple therapeutic exercises applicable to a variety of orthopedic technicians.

1. Knowledge of orthopedic devices and equipment regarding care and use, traction set-up and casting techniques; knowledge of equipment such as, cast saw, grinding machine, heat gun, bending iron, drills and surgical instruments is required.

1. Effective verbal communication skills are required to work with nursing staff, physicians, other hospital personnel and patients.Demonstrates ability to maintain knowledge through attending orthopedic education courses and in service equipment instruction.

1. Exhibit service excellent at all time to patients, visitors and other members of the healthcare team, both internal and external.Able to create a compassionate and caring environment that provides a positive memorable patient experience.Exhibit compassion and empathy for all patients and families at all times by taking ownership of the patients experience.Exhibit the understanding that each member of the team is accountable to each other for creating a positive and memorable patient experience.

1. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served.Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
2. Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.