Cast Technician

Job Qualifications

EDUCATION Required

High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) may include specialized or vocational courses

LICENSURE Preferred

AHA Heartsaver

Orthopedic Technician certification

EXPERIENCE Required

1 year

Basic nursing skills e.g. one year as nursing attendant emergency technician experience Armed Services Medical Corps or Orthopedic Technologist.

EXPERIENCE - Preferred

Orthopedic and Pediatric experience

SKILLS -

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong customer service orientation.

SKILLS - Preferred

Orthopedic and Pediatric experience

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Continuously stand/walk or lift/handle/carry material or equipment of moderate weight (20 to 50 lbs). Examples: Nurses LPNs and Physical Therapists.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Located in an environment with regular exposure to moderate physical discomfort from fumes or odors temperature extremes loud noises and bright lights. Examples: mail clerks material handlers and food service workers.

HAZARDS

OSHA Category 1

Tasks that involve exposure to blood body fluids tissues and other potentially infectious materials.

POSITION & UNIT ACCOUNTABILITIES

Clinical and Technical Competencies: Require Physicians Order

Application of Casts and Splints:

• Demonstrates proper selection of casting and splint materials (plaster fiberglass thermoplastic). including the appropriate selection of materials stockinette padding and trimming.
• Applies casts and splints safely securely and in a manner that ensures proper immobilization.
• Maintains correct alignment and positioning according to physician instructions. Trims and finishes rough edges of casts leaving skin intact.
• Cleans skin following cast application.
• Bivavles/univalves casts according to physicians orders without injuring skin or destroying cast. Wedge Cast (only with Physician).

Removal of Casts and Splints:

• Operating cast saws safely and effectively. Monitors patients for discomfort or complications during removal. Provides post-removal skin care instructions to patients.

Monitoring:

• Monitors neurovascular status (circulation sensation movement) before and after cast application.
• Identifies signs of complications (pressure sores skin irritation compartment syndrome).
• Inspects edges of casts for smoothness and for signs of pressure and tightness.
• Reports abnormal findings to supervising clinicians promptly.
• Provides information about skin integrity cast fit and other data collected to the appropriate professional nurse or physician.

Standard Precautions & Aseptic Technique:

• Infection Control - Understands principles of aseptic technique; observes the basic principles of aseptic technique.
• Demonstrates competency safety and use of Standard Precautions. Complies with policies and procedures concerning infection control and safety to maintain a safe environment for patients visitors and staff.
• Follow infection control and safety procedures. Perform correct handwashing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers before/after patient care.
• Keeps workspace clean and orderly. Complies with dress code policy and maintains a professional appearance (with natural fingernails neatly manicured and length of less than 1/4 inch long).
• Use the appropriate PPE. Role may require assistance in the operating cast technician is aware

Communication:

• Effectively communicates with various departments to disseminate and receive information as requested.
• Explains procedures care instructions and potential complications to patients and caregivers in a clear empathetic manner.
• Provides education on cast care hygiene and activity restrictions.
• Responds to patient questions and concerns effectively.
• Utilizes computerized systems to support efficient operational management.

Documentation & Information Management:

• Maintains accurate files records and reports. such as accurate documentation in the electronic health record.
• Maintains the patients medical records according to regulatory requirements and HSS policy.
• Upholds patient privacy and confidentiality (HIPAA compliance).
• Follows hospital policy regarding sensitive patient information.
• Follows through on charges for service as .

Equipment Handling & Enviornmental Safety:

• Cleans maintains and stores casting and splinting tools and materials.
• Ensures sterilization and infection control standards are followed.
• Wear protective apparel including goggles and gloves during the preparation of the application and cleanup of the casting process.
• Maintains environment free of clutter and safe for the patients and their families.
• Ensure safe disposal of sharp instruments and casting materials following hospital policy.
• Cleans maintains and stores casting and splinting tools and materials.

• Provides and maintains a safe environment for patients family and staff.