Clinical Technician, Total Joint/Orthopedics - VHC Health

Clinical Technician, Total Joint/Orthopedics

The Clinical Technician works under the direct supervision of the RN and is an active member of the health care team. Under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, the Clinical Technician performs a variety of routine duties involving the care of patients including performing direct patient care or activities of daily living, observing and reporting changes in the status of patients, providing a clean and safe environment, transporting patients, and other related duties. VHC Clinical Technicians must be empathetic, have excellent communication and nursing skills to care for patients.

The Total Joint unit, also known as 5a, is a 21 bed unit that provides preoperative and postoperative care to patients age 15 and up. Our population consist of Total Joint patients who have had their hip or knee replaced, orthopedics patients, which includes those with traumatic injuries, general surgery patients such a laparoscopic appendectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, etc.), and a variety of medical patients. We also provide care to patients who are considered class 2 telemetry patients. Our unit is unique, as we work very closely with physical therapy in the care of our joint patients, to ensure early mobilization of patients, which leads to our patients experiencing a sooner recovery and discharge to home.  We also have a very collaborative relationship with the physicians, which enhances the patient’s experience. Most of our patients utilize our outpatient pharmacy, and have their medication delivered to the bedside, and education provided for by a pharmacist. This process aids in patient being compliant in getting their prescribed medications, and potentially being more compliant in using them, due to the ease in getting them delivered during discharge. 

Job Description

Purpose & Scope:

The Clinical Technician II works under the direct supervision of the RN and is an active member of the health care team. Under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse, the Clinical Technician performs a variety of routine duties involving the care of patients including performing direct patient care or activities of daily living, observing changes in the status of patients, providing a clean and safe environment, transporting patients, and other related duties. Clinical Technicians must be empathetic and have good communication and nursing skills to care for patients.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Equivalent experience is required.

Experience:

Six months of experience as a Clinical Technician I or equivalent clinical experience as defined in the CORE skills for Clinical Technician II, completion or enrollment in Clinical Technician II program or equivalent, or student nurses who have successfully completed the medical/surgical clinical experiences and didactic is required.

Certification/Licensure:

BLS certification is required.

Other Qualifications

Minimum of six education hours related to current role.