Position: Temporary/ Extra Help Orthopedic Technician I

Kern Medical strives to recruit the highest quality candidates, resulting in a high performance workforce that consistently delivers quality patient care.

• Extra-help employment has a limited term (up to 9 months).
• Health Benefits coverage may be offered.

Definition:

Under direction, assists more experienced Orthopedic Technicians in applying casts to orthopedic patients and placing patients in traction; assists in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of safe therapeutic care of orthopedic patients.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the entry level within the Orthopedic Technician flexible series. The classification provides for basic training in common orthopedic technical procedures and experience toward advancement to the next level.

Promotion is based on demonstrated skill, recommendation of the department head and approval of the Director of Personnel.

Essential Functions:

• Assists more experienced staff in applying casts while fractures are being properly aligned and immobilized; assists in applying casts after surgery; changing casts and dressings.
• Assists in preparation of equipment needed for traction; assists more experienced staff in placing patients in traction.
• Assists in providing services to patients as appropriate to the ages of the patients served.
• Assists in obtaining and interpreting information in terms of the patient's needs.
• Learns to demonstrate knowledge of growth and development and/or aging process and understand the range of treatment needed by the patients.
• Prepares casting materials; assists in maintaining adequate supplies of equipment and materials and in maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
• Assists in the daily operations of the Orthopedic Clinic.
• Assists with providing appropriate instructions to patients; assists in the assessment of patient/family level of understanding and adjusts instructions accordingly.
• Participates in departmental continuing education program, quality management activities and other departmental requirements.
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.
• Promotes positive customer relations.

Other Functions:

• Performs other related duties as required.

Employment Standards:

High school graduation and one (1) year of patient care experience in an orthopedic outpatient facility, inpatient orthopedic unit, emergency facility or equivalent experience in an orthopedic physician's office.

Successful completion of a six-month allied health program which has included patient care activities may be substituted for the required experience.

Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment. As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Responder certification and competency.

Knowledge of:

Basic human anatomy; various types of orthopedic equipment and supplies; current standards of practice.

Ability to:

Deal tactfully and sympathetically with patients; learn to identify patient needs; establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of health care workers; demonstrate effective communication skills.

Supplemental:

A background check may be conducted for this classification.