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Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Occ Summary

The Orthopedic Technologist is a trained member of the orthopedic team who works with all associated health care professionals in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities concerning all orthopedic procedures. Performs a variety of tasks including the fabrication and removal of casts and splints, application of orthopedic devices, and removal of external orthopedic hardware in a variety of settings (inpatient, outpatient, emergency department and operating room) Acts as a resource for staff to ensure safe cast/splint application and removal practices are used.

Work Performed

Assist physicians and nursing personnel with orthopedic casting procedures to include the application and removal of a variety of casts splints and dressings. Under the direction of a physician, assists in the clinical care of patients, including: Application and removal of mobilization and immobilization devices Application and removal of braces, prosthetics, orthotics, and orthoses Adjustment and repair of braces, prosthetics, orthotic s, and orthoses Fitting and adjustment of canes, crutches and walkers Fabricating splints for various conditions Wound care, removal of wound closure materials (staples, sutures, orthopedic hardware), and the application and removal of sterile and non-sterile dressings Removal or adjustment of external fixators, halos, and orthopedic frames Preparation and set up for specific types of traction, making adjustments as necessary Accurately takes and documents necessary patient measurements (grip strength, leg length, extremity girth, blood pressure, pulse, height, weight etc.) and pertinent history from the patient Assisting the physician in the reduction of fractures and dislocations Assist with aspirations and injections Explains use and care of immobilization devices to patient and family using age appropriate guidelines Reviews instructions with patients on various subjects, including wound care and edema. Assist with the development of appropriate educational materials, using evidence-based information. Demonstrates ability to apply knowledge to different orthopedic treatment situations of adult and pediatric patients in the inpatient setting, outpatient clinic, emergency department and operating room. Serves as a resource of other staff on the appropriate positioning and technique for the application and removal of various immobilization and mobilization devices. Facilitate clinic flow and assist physicians and nursing personnel with coordination of patient care. Maintain work area in clean and orderly condition. Set up and prepare examination rooms. Set up instruments and equipment for specific procedures. Clean and sterilize a variety of medical supp lies, and maintain appropriate inventory of orthopedic supplies and equipment. Places orders for x-rays and durable medical equipment per physician protocol. Performs and/or ensures needed maintenance is completed on equipment. Perform other related duties as directed. Duties for Orthopedic Technologist assigned to Surgical Suites: Under the guidance of a physician, the Certified Orthopedic Technologist may do the following: Position, prepare and drape patients by using accepted sterile practices and techniques. Serve as second assistant in the operating room by using accepted surgical practices and techniques Assist during reductions by supplying and applying appropriate materials Assist with set up and application of traction devices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to articulate descriptions of orthopedic conditions based upon a basic understanding of anatomical structures and their relationship with one another. Understanding of theory and application of manual, skin and skeletal traction. Understanding of the proper application of aseptic techniques in dressing change and in setting up for sterile clinical procedures. Ability to articulate the role of an Orthopedic Tech to the general public. Demonstrated commitment to quality assurance and quality patient care.

Level Characteristics

N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education

High school graduate or equivalent. Graduate of an accredited Orthopedic Technology program preferred. Military corpsman with training in military orthopedics preferred.

Experience

Two years full-time work experience in a hospital, clinic, office, or patients. military setting, working directly in the treatment of orthopedic

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

Current certification as Orthopedic Technologist Certified by NBCOT required. Candidates who do not have certification will be required to obtain within 6 months of hire date. In order to be eligible to complete the certification, you must have a minimum of 24 months of full time orthopedic technologist experience within the past 36 months OR have completed a qualified Orthopedic Technologist (OT) training program within the past 12 months.

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Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.