At Houston Methodist, the Orthopedic Technician position is responsible for assisting physicians and professional nursing personnel in the care and treatment of patients with orthopedic needs. This position maintains the orthopedic equipment and cast equipment, assists with the application and removal of plaster casts. The Orthopedic Technician position coordinates and applies the usage of traction, continuous passive motion (CPM) devices, and specialty beds.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Interacts with patients, staff and other departments in a caring and courteous manner. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

• Functions as a team member, responding willingly and positively to colleagues' needs for assistance and partnership. Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team. Problem-solves, assists other techs.

• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee satisfaction, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares patients for application of orthopedic devices. Accurately measures patients for custom and off the shelf braces. Reviews medical record prior to patient intervention.

• Dispenses, applies and adjusts continuous passive motion (CPM) devices and traction apparatus according to Physician's orders. Assembles and applies skeletal traction, overhead frames and trapeze bars, Buck's traction, cervical traction, pelvic traction, balanced suspension, lateral and Russell's traction and other devices as appropriate.

• Assists physicians in the application, removal and adjustment of plaster casts.

• Coordinates, applies and adjusts specialty beds and specialty mattress overlays.

• Contributes recommendations towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains and accurately operates equipment and devices. Coordinates all technical and clerical work related to the performance of the Orthopedic Treatment Room.

• Identifies opportunities for process improvement providing recommendations impacting quality and safety targets, reporting near misses. Contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Orders supplies and products and devices for future use.

• Accurately documents patient charges and charts treatment in appropriate patient record.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime and prioritize daily tasks. Meets labor productivity standards by effectively managing established daily responsibilities and assignments.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Fosters a positive and constructive patient care environment by engaging co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with department objectives.

• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and department shared governance 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

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• One year hospital, vocational, military, one-the-job- training or orthopedic clinic experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• COT - Certified Orthopedic Technician

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Must have knowledge of ABNs

• Exhibits proficiency in application/removal of traction, splints, fiberglass casts, custom orthotic molding and fitting and plaster casts as directed by physician orders

• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills (written and verbal communication, ability to deal with challenging situations, etc.)

• Demonstrates independence and exercises judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team, patients and their families

• Displays strong time management skills

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including but not limited to organizing workflows and actively participating in problem-solving

• Ability to provide a supportive and engaging environment that enhances the quality of life for patients

• Experience in a team focused work setting

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group - As one of the nation’s leading hospitals and academic medical centers Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nation’s leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients.  As part of Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group (HMSPG), these specialists not only provide excellent clinical care, but are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow.  This combination of clinical service, research and academics ensures patients have access to the latest in treatments and technologies while providing the best in comprehensive patient care.  Established as a non-profit corporation and certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, HMSPG enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to their clinical practice while growing their practice within an academic environment.