Headwaters Health Care Centre. One Community, Caring Together.

We are a dedicated team of professionals focused on providing the best care possible for our patients, families, and caregivers. We work together to care for the whole person from hospital to home.

We are looking for a Registered Orthopaedic Technologist to work with our Ambulatory Care Department to help us continue in our mission to serve our community with Kindness, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

Position Responsibilities:
As an active member of a high functioning interdisciplinary team, the Registered Orthopaedic Technologist provides client-centred clinical care to support the delivery of the service for orthopaedic patients in the Fracture Clinic.

Carries out responsibilities and assists in the care of patients in the orthopaedic clinic. Functions under the direction of the Orthopaedic Surgeon. Works with the health care team in providing a safe environment for patients, staff, physicians, volunteers, and others. Works within the current policies and guidelines of the hospital.

Duties:

• Applies and removes dressings, assesses condition of the wound prior to further treatment. Consults with physicians for further orders when problems are identified.
• Cast application - using plaster or synthetic materials. This involves adjusting, removing, repairing, bivalving, wedging and windowing of casts
• Measure and fit patients for orthopaedic devices and ambulatory aids. Instruct patients regarding care and proper use
• Assist in the application, maintenance, and adjustment of traction (skin, skeletal and manual). This includes patient education of traction therapy.
• Remove sutures, K wires, pins and external fixators using sterile technique.
• Fabricate and apply splints and bandages (i.e., finger splints, wrist splints, velpeau bandages, pressure dressings, humeral splints, knee splints, etc.)
• Instruct patient/family in the care of the cast, slab or brace as well as skin care. Reinforce the teaching of the medical information given by the physician regarding the specific injury, treatment plan, procedure and expected outcomes
• Order and maintain equipment. Manage orthopaedic supplies
• Collaborate with other health care professionals such as physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, as required
• Interact with other departments (medical records, radiology, service coordination) to obtain the resources needed to assist in patient care
• Establish effective helping relationships with patient and family
• Responsible for patient visit assessment maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality
• Provide on the job instruction and demonstration of casting techniques to other health professionals (medical students, interns, residents) on request
• Charting, documentation and maintaining accurate notes and records
• Participate in ongoing education and development
• Participates in patient safety initiatives and takes action to address unsafe conditions and procedures to ensure a healthy and safe environment.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of certified Orthopedic Technology program recognized by Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technologists (CSOT) required
• Current registration and in good standing with the CSOT for no less than five (5) years
• Successful completion of the written, oral and practical examinations of the CSOT, has current membership in the society and maintains certification through the continuing education program
• A minimum of eight (8) years full time work experience in a Canadian Hospital and working in the fracture/cast/emergency clinic directly in the care of orthopaedic patients.
• Current B.C.L.S. Ontario Heart Foundation Standards
• Advanced body of knowledge of anatomical structures and their relationship with one another, able to articulately describe orthopaedic conditions
• Ability to apply, adjust and remove all common and difficult orthopaedic devices
• Advanced knowledge of theory and application of skin, skeletal and manual traction.
• Advanced knowledge of the proper application of aseptic technique in dressing change, removal of sutures, staples, pins and wires and setting up surgical fields
• Ability to interpret most fractures and dislocations on X-ray film.
• Ability to supervise and train students and orthopaedic technicians.
• Expert ability to apply specialty casts, i.e., hinged casts and assist in special procedures such as advanced wound care and fracture reductions
• Must continue their education to maintain their certification with the CSOT. This is mandatory to keep certification up to date. Continuing education units must be accumulated on an annual basis
• Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to Headwaters comprehensive safety programs and practices, including staff safety, patient safety, environmental safety, and participates in regular in-service education in this area
• Demonstrated effective communication, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to use office equipment including computers, intercoms, telephones, and fax machines
• Physically capable of performing all aspects of the Registered Orthopaedic Technologist's duties
• Energetic, highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with strong work ethic
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills
• Positive attendance and work record essential

Why Headwaters?
Our values are more than words, they are what define and connect us. They determine how we work, how we behave, and how we relate to our patients, their families, and caregivers as well as to everyone who is part of the Headwaters community

We offer a wide range of employee perks, for information on our comprehensive benefits package, please visit Headwaters Health Care Centre - Careers at Headwaters