Hi to all-

I've been lurking here for a few days and just joined. I need some pointers and would appreciate any help I can get. Here's the story, sorry it may be a bit long. I have been a practicing LPN for about 10 years, 6 1/2 in LTC and the last 3 1/2 in an MR/DD facility. I have recently decided to go back to school for my RN and felt it would be a good idea to go back into a hospital setting before going into clinicals. The reason being that, although my work in the MR/DD field has been the most rewarding personally in my career, my skills have absolutely been unused and have consequently slipped. I am taking a job in an Ortho unit in a local hospital but am VERY nervous. I am a fast learner and know the skills will "come back", but would like to get a heads up. Can anyone point me to a good reference for Ortho and also let me know what dx you find yourselves dealing with most commonly (both orthopedically and Med/Surg wise)? I would also like info on the meds you most commonly deal with, old and new. I have given a 30 day notice at my current job and would like to take this time to reacquaint myself with skills I have not used in forever and meds I probably have not heard of! No joke I can count on my hands the variety of meds I have passed for the last 3 1/2 years, mostly laxatives and anti-seizure meds, and we give injections exactly one time a year...FLU SHOTS, Ha Ha. I am SO RUSTY :imbar ! ANY help would be great... (and yes the floor manager knows about my rusty skills, I was very honest in my interview, and she told me not to worry they would take care of teaching me all I needed to know!)

TIA,

RobinMarie

Congrats on the new job. While I don't work orth, (I'm in the ER) I do deal w/ortho pts. I believe there is an ortho nurses forum on this bulletin board. Perhaps they would be helpful. Congrats also on going back to school. I was an LPN for two years while I completed my RN.

Perhaps try posting to the ORTHO nurses' board? Maybe some there can impart wisdom and shed light on your situation to help you out. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU AND WELCOME BACK!

Good luck on your ortho/med-surg floor. You'll need it. Make absolutely SURE that your manager supports you in your efforts to continue your education and to work around your schedule. Experience has shown me that most nurses are not truly supportive of their counterparts who want to better themselves and can be resentful of your work schedule having to be around your class schedule. Not to be entirely negative about it...maybe you're going to work in a wonderful facility with great nurses. I hope so. I have worked every area in the hospital there is to work, except for OR and OB. I am now out of the hospital, in hemodialysis, which allows me the kind of schedule I need to pursue my RN-MSN, something I couldn't do in the hospital. My plan is to become a professor of nursing, myself. So I wish you all the best, and feel free to call on me if you need encouragement. These forums can be excellent for that. Just don't forget to keep your goal in mind and don't let anybody stand in your way. If the hospital gives you a hard time, move on. The shortage is too great not to stand up for yourself.

Best wishes...

babs

Dang it! If I could get my buds to start coming on this board!

Good book, off the top of my head: Dr. Scott's Knee Book - this guy is wonderful and explains terms, anatomy, treatment, and recovery in easy to understand language. I used it when I first went into workers comp case managment.

Oh! Go to the AMA's website, there they have links to the national specialty societies - Ortho surgeons, Neuro surgeons, Fook and Ankle surgeons, etc. Usually the specialty websites have great info on conditions you're going to see a lot in your new setting.

Ask if part of your orientation can be scrubbing in or observing a total hip being done, any type of arthroplasty to give you an total picture in what's being done and how.

Different ortho's have quirks on how they want their post-ops treated. Once you get to know them and which one's are nurse-friendly, don't be afraid to ask questions.

In no time you'll be able to tell US about tibial plateau fractures, total hips, total knees, laminectomy's, fusions, halo's, traction, bone stimulators, cages, etc.

You'll do great, and know we're here to cheer you on!