Any orthopedic techs out there?

[aphorist]

Hi,

I'm considering taking the one-year Orthopedic Tech program at Grossmont College in San Diego, CA. I have a bachelor's in English, but no medical background. I'm guessing that my job would be somewhat different from that of an orthopedic nurse, but I'm not too clear on the specifics.

Anyway, here are some of my major questions:

*How many orthopedic techs work in a doctor's office, as opposed to a hospital?

*Do you think being an OT is more or less stressful than being a nurse?

*According to the Grossmont College website, OTs "assist with the care of acutely injured patients." What specifically would that involve? Feeding, bathing, changing bedpans, all of the above?

Thanks!

Joshua

[Guest717236]

I am a nurse ,not an ortho tech. The techs apply cast, splints and

braces per the orthopedic MDs orders. They do teaching in regard

to crutches and walking with a cane, crutches or walker.

They are also involved in traction setups in the hospital setting.

In my experience, they are not involved with direct care like

bedbaths or feeding.

It can be stressful depending on the daily demands and

how many techs are working...

This is my recollection from working on an Ortho floor many

years ago.

Here is a link to the national association that may be helpful.

National Association of Orthopaedic Technologists

Good luck with your studies!

[Boog'sCRRN246, RN]

I found more ortho techs working in physician's offices than in the hospital setting. When I worked Ortho in the hospital setting, nurses set up traction for patient's with fractures awaiting surgery.

After working in the Ortho department of an outpatient clinic, I found that the ortho techs were utilized there for removal of casts and sutures, and education about braces, crutches, walkers, etc. They were also often sent over to our neighboring hospital for cast application. Their encounters with patients were brief and not at all like what a nurses' position would entail (i.e, you wouldn't be feeding, bathing, or changing bedpans b/c the patients are either seen in the ED or in an outpatient capacity).