Orthopedic Technician

Under the supervision of the Orthopedic Supervisor and/or departmental physicians or extenders, assists the surgeons with all routine orthopedic procedures to include: applying casts, splints, bandages, and pre-fabricated braces; furnishing, adjusting and instructing patients in the use of various orthopedic devices; setting up and maintaining orthopedic traction. Act as a 2nd assist in any orthopedic surgical procedure in the operating room or minor procedure rooms.

• Upholds Kaiser Permanente's Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws.


• PATIENT PROCEDURES AND ACTIVITIES:
  
  
  
  • Apply and remove all types of fiberglass ad plaster casts, as directed by orthopedic surgeon or extenders.
  
  
  • Apply, remove, and adjust orthopedic devices (i.e. splints, bandages, slings, and braces).
  
  
  • Apply all specialty cast procedures (i.e. body jackets, hip spicas, PTBs, hinged cast braces, diabetic foot casting, podiatry casting and pediatric specialty castings).
  
  
  • Demonstrates proper positioning angulation when applying all types of casts, splints, dressings, and bandages.
  
  
  • Check casts, splints, etc. for problems such as comfort, bruises, and circulation.
  
  
  • Remove, trim, and re-apply as necessary.
  
  
  • Instruct patients on the proper use of orthopedic devices, crutches, canes, and other mobility devices.
  
  
  • Instruct patients on proper cast care, explaining the precautions to be taken regarding swelling and observations to be made.
  
  
  • Provide written instructions.
  
  
  • Determine reason for members visit and coordinates patient flow, takes and/or directs patient to x-ray waiting room, exam room, or any other necessary area.
  
  
  • Act as 2nd assist in any orthopedic surgical case in operating room or minor procedure room under the direct supervision of the surgeon.
  
  
  • Position, prep and drape patient prior to procedure.
  
  
  • Set up necessary specialty equipment prior to start of procedures (i.e. fluoroscan, fracture table, etc.).
  
  
  • Assist operating personnel with needed surgical instruments and supplies needed prior to start of case.
  
  
  • Utilizes aseptic technique and maintains sterile field when assisting surgeon or extender with minor procedures.
  
  
  • Follows standard infection control procedures and universal precaution standards.
  
  
  • Assist with operating room turnover to ensure expedient patient care.
  
  
  • Remove dressings, sutures, and staples.
  
  
  • Re-apply sterile dressings.
  
  
  • Re-apply new cast or splint as needed.
  
  
  • Teach pin care, dismantle external fixator hardware.
  
  
  • Prepare, educate, and position patients for pin removal, diagnostic tests, and procedures.
  
  
  • Assist physician or extender with pin removal or insertion, diagnostic tests, procedures, and routine examinations in a clinic or hospital ward.
  
  
  • Acts as a secondary orthopedic technician in the emergency room.
  
  
  • Assist Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon with Halo application and removal.
  
  
  • Set up and maintain all necessary traction configurations.
  
  
  • Including specialty procedures (i.e. balance suspension with skeletal traction).
  
  
  • Check traction for possible problems, notify physician as necessary and make adjustments as directed.
  
  
  • Observe patient conditions and communicate with physician or extender before, during, and after patient procedures.
  
  
  • Apply proper body mechanics when lifting, and/or assisting patients with mobilization.
  
  
  
  


• RECORDS AND PATIENT INFORMATION:
  
  
  
  • Record and chart patient data, completing all forms and records required.
  
  
  • Verify consent form for proper procedure and extremity.
  
  
  • Ensures proper charges have been documented.
  
  
  • Complete diagnostic examination requisitions.
  
  
  • Complete medical and prescription history forms and records.
  
  
  • Record and maintain patient treatment data.
  
  
  • Arranges necessary appointments per department guidelines.
  
  
  • Answers telephone and serves as a resource to personnel in casting and splinting.
  
  
  • Review patient x-rays and charts to evaluate patients and identify significant conditions.
  
  
  • Collects and labels all specimens; accurately completes appropriate laboratory slips, and transports specimens per policy.
  
  
  • Maintains the privacy and confidentiality of both member and employee with concern for regard to medical record and communication regarding disease, conditions, and status.
  
  
  • Cleans and maintains stock level of cast carts and storage rooms.
  
  
  
  


• EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTS:
  
  
  
  • Maintains a neat, clean, and safe work environment.
  
  
  • Re-stock and prepare procedure, cast and examination rooms.
  
  
  • Set-up and clean instruments and surgical trays.
  
  
  • Retrieve and deliver and sterilize necessary items.
  
  
  • Deliver, assemble/disassemble equipment and instruments, while maintaining appropriate inventory control.
  
  
  • Maintain traction equipment and supplies.
  
  
  • Perform or arrange for repair or adjustments to equipment and instruments.
  
  
  • Ensure equipment is available for procedures and examinations.
  
  
  • Calibrate and adjust equipment in preparation for and during procedures (i.e. CPM machine, tourniquets, etc.).
  
  
  • Maintain proper inventory control.
  
  
  
  


• ADMINISTRATIVE:
  
  
  
  • Attends conferences, meetings and in-service training programs.
  
  
  • Maintain proficiencies in clinical skills.
  
  
  • Maintain CPR certificate.
  
  
  
  


• OTHER ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  
  
  
  • Assume other activities and responsibilities as needed.
  
  
  • Follows established service standards as set forth in LMP ABCs.
  
  
  • That is, Take Initiative, Take Responsibility, Take Care and Take Pride.
  
  
  • Demonstrate compliance in all above 4 areas.
  
  
  • Examples: make a positive first impression, protect patient privacy and confidentiality.