An Orthopedics Physician Assistant provides medical care to patients, under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Works in concert with an orthopedist, and is licensed to practice medicine but has less formal certification than a physician. Performs duties delegated by a physician such as recording patient medical histories, ordering diagnostic tests, or giving immunizations.
Under administrative supervision by the Department Administrator and under direct dinical supervision by the department physicians and advanced practice providers, assists the physician/provider with all routine and advanced orthopedic and orthopedic surgical procedures as described below. Provides written instructions for patients in the use of various orthopedic devices and sets up and maintains supplies and equipment; may provide direction to the Orthopedic Technician I or the Junior Ortho Tech.
Essential Responsibilities:
Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws. Assists the physician with all routine and advanced orthopedic and orthopedic surgical procedures. May instruct the work of Orthopedic Technicians I and trainees in the application of casts, traction set-ups, Operating Room procedures and other procedures and techniques to patients of the age group served. Performs all of the Essential Duties and Responsibilities of Orthopedic Technician I. The following is a non-exhaustive list of functions in the
Medical Office or Hospital Setting:
1. May apply casts, splints, traction or other orthopedic devices to the extent that this is a technical function that does not involve choosing the appropriate treatment. Setting a fracture, manipulating bone or tissue or assessing that patients clinical condition 2. Remove casts, splints and orthopedic devices 3. Prepare the patient for procedures 4. Set up instruments and equipment for procedures 5. Apply and remove bandages and dressings that does not involve debridement 6. Provide written instructions to patients regarding proper cast care and use of crutches and devices 7. Remove sutures or staples from superficial incisions after sutures/staples have been assessed for removal by a provider. 8. Assist patients in ambulation and transfers 9. Collect and record patient data including height, weight. temperature, pulse, respiration rate and blood pressure, and basic information about the presenting and previous condition(s) 10. Record patient care services provided in the medical record 11. Other technical or administrative tasks as required
Operating Room:
As a surgical assistant, an orthopedic technician may perform the following functions that are delegated and directed by a physician, if the orthopedic technician has demonstrated competence to do so. 1. Assist with preparation and draping of the patient 2. Cut sutures 3. Tie sutures (above fascia-not on deep tissue) 4. Advance (but not insert) pins or screws in previously drilled holes (a technical function) 5. Apply and hold graspers on tissue during endoscopic surgery 6. Retract tissue 7. Tap and mallet on instruments held by a surgeon (mechanical task) 8. Suction blood or other fluids from the operative field. 9. Sponge the operative field 10. When provider is holding instruments, apply electrocautery through instruments to vessels (but not directly to vessels) 11. Assist in cleaning wounds and applying dressing 12. Assist in managing and maintaining the integrity of drains and devices attached to patient
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
Experience Two (2) years experience as an Orthopedic Technician within the last three (3) years. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to utilize principles, practices, and techniques of basic human anatomy, types of fractures, orthopedic equipment, and use of cast & splints. Ability to demonstrate and apply knowledge of cast application and traction and orthopedic appliance application. Ability to demonstrate and utilize knowledge of surgical orthopedic and sterile techniques. Under direct supervision, the ability to work and assist in the Operating Room. Customer service skills Education High School diploma or equivalent; Graduate of an accredited Orthopedic Technician program or equivalent training in the military or two (2) years of full time experience as an Orthopedic Technician. License, Certification, Registration Orthopedic Technologist Certificate from National Board for
Certification of Orthopedic Technologists Basic Life Support Additional Requirements:
Bilingual (English/Spanish) Level II required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Notes:
Hospital call shifts required. 10 days required every month. This is an on-call position, days and hours may vary. Must successfully pass or have passed the bilingual test (within the last 12 months), or be active in the QBS program.
