Orthopedic Tech Assoc

Orthopedic Assistant

Performs a variety of technical tasks and bedside functions. Responsibilities include: direct patient care; application of fiberglass and plaster splints/casts; assembly orthopedic traction, stocking supplies; EKGs, transporting patients, applying orthopedic soft goods and performing or assisting in selected duties on the unit as assigned. This description covers the essential functions of this position. Management has the right to change or add to the job responsibilities at any time.

Job Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge of developmental stages for all age groups and applies developmental theories and concepts when planning and implementing care for patients within this role.
• Monitors basic physiological parameters. Takes and records routine vital signs and O2 saturation on adults and children within the specified time frame as indicated by periodic review of documentation. Obtains and documents weights/heights as per physician/nurse order 100% of the time as indicated by quarterly review of 5 records. Records and reports any changes in patients physical appearance and behavior to the appropriate nursing and physician personnel 100% of the time. Applies cardiac monitor leads if required.
• Administers treatment and procedures in accordance with BMC policy/procedure. Assists staff to provide expeditious patient care. Assists with patient personal care (e.g. ambulations, undressing patients while maintaining privacy, moving in and out of a wheelchair, personal hygiene activities). Transports patients with an RN or without O2 and monitors to appropriate locations. Application of simple dressing both sterile and non-sterile. Accurately measures and records patient intake and output. Care of patient belongings and valuables. Assists medical and nursing staff with patient exams, suture set up and wound prep. Assures identity of patient by checking ID bracelet prior to performing any procedure.
• Assists in direct care of orthopedic patients under the supervision of physicians and/or RN with the application of casts, soft goods and or traction. Applies casts under the direct supervision of an orthopedic physician or ED attending. Applies splints, orthopedic soft goods, petal casts, and removes casts as ordered by the physician/PA staff. Assembles, monitors and assists with the placement of the patient into traction. Measure, and provide patient instruction for the use of crutches, canes, and walkers under the supervision of the physician or RN.
• Obtains specimens for analysis from patients demonstrating appropriate technical and judgmental skills. Accurately labels and sends specimens of urine, feces, sputum within 30 minutes of specified time frames unless discussed with RN. Performs EKG procedure; obtains comparative EKG and provides RN and MD/PA with completed test immediately without exception.
• Maintains adequate inventory of departmental supplies and completes appropriate charging process. Daily maintenance of orthopedic and GTA supplies and equipment as evidenced by completion of checklist 100% of the time. Adjusts par levels for orthopedic supplies as needed after discussing it with Clinical Supervisor. Monitors for cleanliness and needed repair of equipment and completes any cleaning and/or decontamination procedures. Removes and tags faulty equipment and notifies RN. Disposes of laundry as directed to avoid an overflow of dirty laundry. Replaces contaminated suction container and disposes of the used unit as directed. Ensures hallways, patient care areas are free of clutter.
• Provides a safe environment for patients and staff by complying with hospital and departmental safety procedures. Applies and monitors patient in restraints as directed by the RN and/or MD/PA. Documentation on flow sheet. Handles all biohazardous material according to procedure. Utilizes BSP and infection control precaution to avoid exposures for patients, staff and self 100% of the time. Knowledgeable of care of patient who are allergic to latex and completes procedures accordingly. Completes stretcher maintenance checklist 100% of the time. Provides for patient safety through adherence to procedures for preventive measures, i.e. side rails, wheelchair safety principles, and safe practices with ambulatory patients without incident. Completes environmental checklist weekly in GTA. 90% compliance.
• Participate with education activities, unit staff meeting and is knowledgeable of emergency procedures. Knowledgeable of location and use of emergency equipment and disaster plan 100% of the time. Responds to and assists with emergencies as needed under the direction of an RN/MD/PA 100% of the time. Maintains Basic Cardiac Life Support certification, day away validations and attends mandatory in-services to maintain skill competency. Attends unit staff meeting 80% of the time.
• Contributes to the attainment of excellence in emergency care. Provides patients and families with information regarding what is being done and what they are waiting for. Identifies self to patients and families and wear the hospital ID tag 100% of the time. Provide patients with comfort measures by providing them with pillows and blankets; closing curtains to insure privacy and notifies the RN if the patient requires measures to manage pain. Fosters an environment that reflects teamwork by offering to help those who are in need and demonstrates respectful communication with all co-workers. Answers the telephone according to hospital policy in a courteous manner, expressing a greeting to the caller in a pleasant voice and identifies self and the name of the department. Assist individuals with information of direction whenever requested or when individuals appear in need for help. Demonstrates cost effectiveness in the use of supplies and equipment as indicated by minimum waste of supplies.
• Develops and maintains good human relation skills. Consistently (e.g., 100% of the time) displays a respectful, empathetic, and caring attitude toward patients, as evidenced by no valid complaints regarding behavior. Accepts constructive criticism as demonstrated by positive behavioral change.
• General Service Excellence Principles. Identifies the key elements of service excellence. Able to successfully deal with challenging day to day interactions with patients, families, visitors, and customers in a consistent manner i.e., physicians, staff, etc. Consistently uses service excellence behaviors as evidenced by no reasonable patient complaints received from patients, families, and/or providers. Identifies and respects the needs of the internal and external customers. Maintains the patients/customers sense of self worth and dignity in difficult situations. Maintains a calm, controlled approach at all times. Consistently projects image of Baystate's services and systems in a positive manner.
• Patient/Customer First. Communicates to patients/customers that they are a high priority even during busy times. Treats patient's information confidentially. Shows patients/customers that she/he believes that they are important. Shows sensitivity to the patients/customers non-verbal communication. Maintains the patients/customers sense of self worth and dignity in difficult situations. Facilitates access to services.
• Identifies the patients/family's members of customer's needs. Assesses the potential impact on the patient/customer when making a decision. Develops alternatives when the best course of action is not available.
• Acknowledges what the patient and customer has said. Summarizes and demonstrates that he/she has listened to the patient/customer. Empathizes with the patient/customer. Identifies resources. Uses body language such as eye contact, smiling, etc. to demonstrate interest.
• Personal Responsibility. Demonstrates emotional maturity and accepts responsibility and consequences of own actions. Demonstrates the following behaviors: Keeps abreast of policy changes. Reads emails daily, but at the appropriate times. Uses email for business purposes. Arrives at work station on time and ready to work. Stays at position and does not "wander" around the work area. Does not take multiple breaks. Knows own work schedule and adheres to it. Gives ample notice when requesting time off, keeping in mind the needs of the line during busy times, or during staff shortages. Attends meetings and inservices willingly, without prompting. Respects the rights of others-keeps voice down, doesn't interrupt. Uses PC and telephone for business purposes only. Does not make personal calls for position; does not use the Internet, or play computer games. Respectfully addresses complaints to the proper person.

Required Work Experience: Successful completion of Orthopedic Assistant's orientation program

Preferred Work Experience: None Listed

Skills and Competencies:

• Must have demonstrated competency in simple mathematics, reading, writing, following instructions and checking patients records or forms
• Excellent communication and organizational skills and customer service oriented

Education:

GED or HiSET (Required)

Certifications:

Compensation

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

$17.98 - $20.68 - $24.12