At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Orthopaedic Technologist  reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Orthopaedic Technologist supports physicians (MD/DO/DPM) and advance practice providers (APP) by facilitating patient flow, assisting with various patient care activities, and performing related administrative functions. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient patient flow; maintaining neat, clean and safe patient care areas;  promoting patient satisfaction by interacting with patients in a professional, friendly manner; safeguarding patient confidentiality.

Responsibilities:

Description

• Assures efficient patient flow through the site:

• Escorts patient to exam room, identifies patient with 2 identifiers and prepares patient for examination.
• Obtains accurate vital signs, per organization standards.
• Documents reason for visit and updates/confirms, allergies, smoking history and pharmacy information.
• Promptly informs the MD/APP of any significant change in vital signs or acute symptoms.
• Anticipates/sets up equipment or supplies needed for visit.
• Cleans and prepares exam room for next patient.
• Responds to needs to expedite visits and maintain flow of patients and prioritize tasks accordingly.
• Assists with referrals, transfers and discharge processes.

• Assists MD/APP with medical and surgical procedures in accordance with established protocols such as:

• Application of splints and casts with appropriate molding as per standard protocol or as directed by MD/APP.
• Suture removal, staple removal, wound care, dressing changes, as directed by MD/APP.
• Preparation/Assistance with procedures and injections, as directed by MD/APP.
• Preparation/Assistance with Ultrasound-guided Injections, as directed by MD/APP.
• Apply Durable Medical Equipment (DME) appropriately, and provide education to patients regarding care and use of DME, as directed by MD/APP.
• Assist with specimen collection, as directed by MD/APP.
• Call-in or electronically send prescriptions as directed by the MD/APP.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as patient letters, patient forms, fax, and mail as directed by the MD/APP/RN.
• Assist with patient phone calls as directed by MD/APP/RN.
• Provides high quality care by:
• Prepares and stocks all exam rooms in treatment area by following established protocols for disinfecting and sterilizing equipment and instruments.
• Participates in environmental safety rounds.
• Maintains vaccine/medication inventory.
• Ensures medication cabinets are locked appropriately.
• Monitors and maintains equipment and instruments according to clinic guidelines.
• Assists in ordering supplies and correctly disposes of all expired items.
• Adheres to office opening and closing procedures.

• Functions as an integral part of the patient care team and promotes patient satisfaction by interacting with patients in a professional, friendly manner:
  • Interacts in a professional, cooperative manner with other practice staff.
  • Accepts and performs delegated responsibilities in a positive manner.
  • Offers assistance to others.
  • Attends and participates in staff meetings.
  • Communicates appropriately and effectively with patients and patient care team (in the office and on the phone).
  • Communicates appropriately and effectively with patients in order to clearly deliver instructions to a patient in distress.

Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Certified Orthopaedic Technologist (National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists), Registered Orthopaedic Technologist (American Society of Orthopedic Professionals), or equivalent.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• CPR Basic Life Support (American Heart Association) certification

Preferred:

• Certified Medical Assistant via AAMA, AMT, NCCT, NHA or NRCMA
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
• Strong computer skills
• Experience with appropriate application of DME and fitting patients with DME
• Experience with casting and splinting
• Experience removing sutures, stitches, and staples
• Experience with wound care

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. 

Background Check 

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. 

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.  

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. 

Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information https://jobs.nm.org/benefits  

Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings.  

If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.