Orthopedic Technician - Orthopedics (Baytown)

Houston Methodist; Baytown (TX); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking an Orthopedic Technician to assist physicians and nursing staff in caring for patients with orthopedic needs. You will maintain orthopedic and cast equipment and assist with plaster casts, while coordinating traction and CPM devices under physician orders.

The role emphasizes patient safety, clear communication with the care team, and efficient workflow management in a fast-paced hospital setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent education.
• One year hospital, vocational, military, one-the-job- training or orthopedic clinic experience.
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association.
• Preferred: COT - Certified Orthopedic Technician.

Responsibilities

• Interacts with patients, staff and other departments in a caring and courteous manner.
• Functions as a team member, responding willingly and positively to colleagues’ needs for assistance and partnership.
• Prepares patients for application of orthopedic devices and measures patients for braces.
• Dispenses, applies and adjusts CPM devices and traction apparatus per physician orders; assists with plaster casts.
• Coordinates, applies and adjusts specialty beds and mattresses overlays.
• Maintains and operates equipment; documents charges and charts treatment.
• Orders supplies and devices; manages time effectively and prioritizes tasks.

Skills

Traction & casts

English proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Teamwork

Independent judgment

ABN knowledge

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

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.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

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

EXPERIENCE

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

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

Preferred

• COT - Certified Orthopedic Technician

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

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