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

　　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

　　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

　　LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

　　BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA) and

　　ROT - Registered Orthopedic Technologist (ASOP)

　　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

　　Knowledgeable of Advanced Beneficiary Notices, insurance and authorizations

　　Knowledge of aseptic technique

　　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

　　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* NoTRAVEL**

　　Travel specifications may vary by department

　　May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes

　　May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

　　Company Profile:

　　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. Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group employs over 800 physicians at more than 150 locations across Houston. Our specialists are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow. The combination of clinical service, research and academics ensure patients have access to the latest treatments and technologies while providing the best comprehensive patient care.

　　Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

　　Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

　　Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.