Orthopedic Technician Job Listing at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, CA (Job ID 3430601-2024-04-30)

Description

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.

Essential Responsibilities:

• 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.


• 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.

Basic Qualifications: