Orthopedic Technician

Kaiser Permanente Orthopedic Technician in San Diego , California

Job Summary:

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 Permanentes 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.

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 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.).

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.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

· Minimum two (2) years' experience in a heavy Orthopedic Clinic, or equivalent, two (2) years' operating room 2nd assist.

· Per the National Agreement, current KP Coalition employees have this experience requirement waived.

Education

· Requires completion of approved Ortho Tech program and one (1) year experience OR Minimum two (2) years' experience in a heavy Orthopedic Clinic, or equivalent, two (2) years' operating room 2nd assist.

License, Certification, Registration

· Basic Life Support

Additional Requirements:

· Must be available for 2nd assist on call and standby.

· Must be willing to travel between locations, work varied locations and varied hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Ortho experience required.

Notes:

· Schedule work hours will be 20 – 32 per week .

COMPANY: KAISER

REQNUMBER: 1270267

External hires must pass a background check/drug screen. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran, or disability status.