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 - Required

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 physician's 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:

• Monitorsneurovascular 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 requireassistance 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:

• Maintainsaccurate files, records, and reports. such as accurate documentation in the electronic health record. 
• Maintains the patient's 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 required.

Equipment Handling & EnviornmentalSafety:

• 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.