Orthopedic Technician

Position Summary

To apply and remove orthopedic casts and surgical dressings; to instruct patients in the use of medical/surgical appliances and braces; to assist in the general clinical care of orthopedic outpatients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may be assigned.

·         Rooming patients. Accompanies and/or assists patients to the exam room in a professional manner

Obtains patient vital signs, including height, weight, blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration.  Pulse oximetry if needed. 

·         Apply, adjust, fit and remove all common orthopedic devices including, but not limited to, orthopedic casts(plaster/fiberglass), splints, braces, slings, and other similar devices and appliances ordered by the physician or APP.

·         May clean wounds, perform dressing changes and remove staples/sutures; assists in minor procedures; must be aware of sterile techniques.

·         Sets up bed traction units or rigs special devices as required and inspects/adjusts bandages and equipment.

·         Instructs patients in the use of splints, braces, crutches, canes, and all other orthopedic equipment.

·         Assists patients in and around the clinic and the x-ray unit.

·         Serves as a liaison between the patients and physicians/APPs to improve communication.

·         Demonstrates orthopedic techniques as necessary to residents and students and advises on the types of medical/surgical and supplies and braces recommended by the department.

·         Ensures charts, dictations, and tests are available prior to each clinic session.

·         Responsible for cast room supplies, equipment ordering.

·         Assists with scheduling, reception as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

 High School graduation or its equivalent

Experience and Certification

OTC (Orthopedic Technician Certified (preferred) certification from an accredited school plus 1-2 years of related working experience preferably in an outpatient Orthopedic clinic.  Ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced environment. ( preferred) 

Competencies

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate providing verbal feedback in a professional manner.  Must be able to follow and understand instructions and react favorably in all work situations.  Must have strong interpersonal skills and be mentally adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people at various levels within and outside the MFA.

Physical Requirements

• Stand, walk, bend, and reach above the shoulder for long periods of time in a clinical setting.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or carry and frequently push or pull up to 100 lbs. as part of the role
• Regularly exposed to healthcare settings that may require personal protective equipment
• Requires manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, copier machine, and other equipment

Supervision Received

Administrative supervision is received from a registered nurse.  Functional supervision is received on a case-by-case basis from the attending physician or registered nurse.

Supervision Exercised

None

About GW MFA

MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.

The GW MFA’s leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.