What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Orthopedic Technician - Orthopedics (Baytown) position at Houston Methodist?
At Houston Methodist, the Sr Orthopedic Technician position is responsible for assisting physicians and professional nursing personnel applying splints, fiberglass, plaster and custom molding casts. This position exhibits proficiency in application/removal of traction, splints, fiberglass casts, custom orthotic molding and fitting and plaster casts as directed by physician orders. The Sr Orthopedic Technician position educates patients in proper care of casts/splints/dressings/wound care. This position assists in the Imaging department, when needed, to develop film and escort patients to and from exam rooms.
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
- Establishes and maintains professional relationships, trust and credibility with all on the healthcare team, serving as primary point of contact for plasters, splints and traction with physicians and nursing staff, by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
- Role models therapeutic communication, which includes active listening and teaching, to establish a relationship with patients, families and interprofessional health care team on collaboration. Problem-solves, assists other techs, managing several ongoing priorities with minimal supervision.
- Initiates contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assists physicians with reduction of fractures/traction.
- Provides education to patients in proper care of casts, splints, dressings and wound care. Ensures understanding and reeducates as appropriate.
- Assists in Radiology department when needed to develop film and escort patients to and from exam rooms.
- Role models behaviors and skills, through peer-to-peer accountability, towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Exhibits proficiency in application/removal of traction, splints, fiberglass casts, custom orthotic molding and fitting and plaster casts as directed by physician orders.
- Accurately measures patients for custom & off the shelf braces.
- Cleans/sterilizes instruments used in cast room according to safety standards and protocols.
- Initiates opportunities for process improvement, providing recommendations impacting quality and safety targets, and collaborating with the interprofessional team. Contributes towards meeting department targets for quality and safety.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Uses knowledge as to which DME braces require authorization and assists in obtaining authorization when needed. Utilizes medical record documentation system to complete estimates, as appropriate. Ensures accurate patient charges and charts treatment in appropriate patient record.
- Maintain proper inventory for cast room materials. Orders supplies and evaluates new products and devices for possible future use. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime and prioritize daily tasks.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Applies willingness to learn new acceptable casting and bracing techniques as they are introduced, to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
- Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and department activities. Completes and updates My Development plan on an on-going basis, including the development of advanced skills.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION
WORK EXPERIENCE
- High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Two years experience as orthopedic technician
- One year experience in casting/bracing
