Licensed Practical Nurse/Orthopaedic Technician

Detailed Overview

Under the direction of the Manager, Clinical Operations or designate and in collaboration as a member of a multidisciplinary team, performs assessments, plans implements and evaluates nursing care.

The LPN / Orthopaedic Technician operates in accordance with the competency guidelines and full scope of practice within the Standards of Practice as outlined by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM), and according to agency operating policies and standards and unit specific protocols.

Provides care to orthopaedic patients including applying, adjusting and removing of casts and splints under the direction of a physician.

Responsibilities Assesses patient / resident / family's actual and potential strengths and limitations including physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual needs.

Provides a supportive environment for patient / resident / family. Promotes patient / resident / family involvement in health care decisions;

provides information and opportunity to discuss concerns; respects personal choices. Contributes to the development and ongoing changes to the individualized plan of care, including attending and providing input into multidisciplinary care planning meetings and family conferences.

Provides nursing care according to identified policies and procedures, technology and FH standards and evaluates outcomes.

Records observations and reports problems and / or changes to designated staff. Performs admissions, discharges, and transfers of patients / residents according to agency operating policies and procedures.

Documents and updates all relevant care and procedure information to ensure patient safety and comfort. Operates and maintains effective functioning equipment related to patient / resident care such as bathtubs, scales and mechanical lifts.

Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients / residents and staff. Assists in the orientation of new staff, students and other members of the Health Care Team.

Participates in continuous quality improvement and program evaluation activities, education sessions, team conferences, meetings and committees.

Applies, adjusts, removes and repairs casts under the direction of a physician using a variety of techniques and materials.

Assists the physician in the application, maintenance and adjustments of traction equipment. Under the direction of a physician, removes sutures and pins related to external fixation;

removes dressings and assesses wound prior to cast application; prepares and applies splints and bandages for various conditions.

Instructs patients and families on care of cast, slab, brace, skin care, and crutch walking. Maintains supplies according to pre-determined reorder levels, performs routine maintenance on orthopaedic equipment;

reports supply problems and malfunctioning equipment to Manager Documents assessments and interventions in accordance with established standards.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduate of a recognized practical nursing program or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current practicing registration as a Licensed Practical Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Graduation from a recognized program in Orthopaedic Technology, current registration with the Canadian Society of Orthopaedic Technicians plus two years' recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to deal effectively with others.

Ability to organize work and implement a plan of care. Knowledge and competencies to work at full scope of practice as currently required by the BCCNM, including administering medications.

Ability to operate related equipment. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.