About this role
Mercy Ships is an international charity that brings hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor through state-of-the-art hospital ships. Since 1978, our volunteer crew—made up of medical professionals and skilled workers from over 60 nations—has delivered free surgeries and medical care to over 2.8 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, transforming lives one patient and one port at a time. Join our global team of over 3,000 volunteers and help us change lives daily.
About this role
The Orthopedic Plaster Technician is responsible for providing high-quality casting services for post-operative orthopedic patients, following femoral and tibial osteotomies or Achilles tendon lengthening. You will have direct patient participation in providing excellent casts on the lower extremities in the OR and in the rehabilitation settings.
What you will contribute
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Cast legs in the Operating Room after a corrective osteotomy to stabilize the procedure and ensure the best possible position for optimal healing, rehabilitation and recovery
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Change casts and decide on optimal position for recasting
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Assess possible wounds for treatment
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Discuss and document treatment goals for therapy with patients, family and staff
For This Role, You Will Need
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Registered Physical Therapist or Registered Nurse (or alternative qualification such as plaster technician) with at least two years of experience
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Casting certificate needed
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Experience with surgical patients preferred, including orthopedics and burn reconstruction, as well as experience in musculoskeletal outpatients
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Knowledge and skills in using plaster of Paris and fiberglass as well as applying corrective casts
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Knowledge and skills stabilizing casts
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Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal)
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Fluent in English
The experience of a lifetime is calling.
More than 1,200 volunteers from over 60 nations serve with Mercy Ships each year.
At Mercy Ships, we are proud to be recognized around the world for the life-changing surgeries and training we deliver. We could not achieve this without our dedicated community of talented volunteers.
Imagine finishing your shift and stepping onto deck as the sun sets—knowing that today you’ve helped transform the lives of those who need it most. Apply now to start a journey that will reshape the lives of those you serve — and your own.