[SanskeetRN]

Can I join the GN ortho/neuro club I will actually start on July 9th. I take my NCLEX Monday (June 4th). Can you say anxiety!!

[triciaa99]

Hi Michelle, I really appreciate your reply to these messages. I just started out on an ortho floor and so far its been really interesting. Didn't hear much about orthopedics while I was in school but am looking forward to the experience I'll gain in Ortho. I will like to ask though If u have some assertive pointers or tips to give to new grads on the floor. I've heard you always have to be assertive but at the same time listen, ask questions and don't act like you know it all. Being doing a lot of listening and asking questions but will appreciate more tips about being assertive on the floor, both with patients and fellow nurses. I've also heard you need to be in control with your patients since you are the one providing the care, but am learning to make that transition and will appreciate some tips and advise.

[november551]

Hey I just wanted to update that I'm an RN now.

I enjoy the ortho floor, but I'm just hanging in for 8 more months until I can look for other opportunities. Gotta get my year in

[pangyaw]

Hi, are you still in Ortho/Neuro unit? I will be starting soon. I need a tips!Thanks.

[Sueilp]

Originally Posted by pangyaw

Hi, are you still in Ortho/Neuro unit? I will be starting soon. I need a tips!Thanks.

Hi, you need to get your running shoes on...it can get VERy busy on Ortho - you will need to learn what each surgeon likes for each pt (for dressings and stuff)....be prepared to transfuse blood a lot if H&H drops after surgery. Make sure you are fmailiar with narcotics and PCA's. I dont know if your hospital uses epidurals - if they do get familiar with that too....otherwise enjoy. I love Ortho..some days it seems a bit monotonous ut you meet some very nice patients (and of course the not so nice lol) and of course watch out for the confused ones - some narcotics do tend to make the older generation go a bit loopy sometimes .... )

[pangyaw]

Thanks SueIP, anything else u need to share, I'll be happy. God Bless U!

[rashan1053]

Hello,
I too am a new grad on a ortho/neuro floor. Your orientation sounds great. I cried every night after work for the first two weeks, but things are much better for me. I really like ortho. Neuro scares me a bit, because of how quickly they can take a turn for the worse. It also took me some time to get use to doing the neuro checks. In school we didn't do a complete neuro neuro check with EOM's, facial symm, etc. I made myself a check sheet to make sure I don't miss any assessments. It is really great that they let you see the surgeries too. Good luck to you!!!

[RN and Mommy]

I think it sounds like great orientation. I wish that I could see the actual surgeries that the patients get done. It would be nice to be able to say, "Well, during surgery they position you in this position, so that may be why..." I don't know. It sounds really great though. Good luck with your position. I am an RN and have only worked Ortho/Neuro. I love it! I have learned so much in the past 2 years as an RN there!

[Ciesta]

Hello, my next rotation is in ortho/neuro, any tips for success in this class. thanks

[pangyaw]

For Ortho, just stick to the basic concepts of tractions.

T-rapeze bar overhead is used to raise and lower the upper body
R-equires free-hanging weights
A-nalgesic is given to releive pain
C-heck the pt ciculation (pulse)
T-emp monitoring
I-infection prevention
O-utput and input monitoring
N-nutrition
S-kin must checked frequently

Goodluck to you I just finished my 8 weeks training, I will be starting as RN on Ortho/Neuro on the floor tomorrow...hopefully everything went well.