Clinical in ortho advice

[thumper23]

Hello,

I'm a first semster nursing student and next Thursday I start my first clinical from 7-12 in ortho. I went to clinical orentation last Thursday and was on the floor for an hour. I observed the PT and my nurse get a Hemi patient up for the firt time. Next week I get assigned to a patient. Is it my newness or does Ortho seem like a difficult floor to start first clinicals on? Any suggestions to help me with my clinical days to follow? Any advice,tips, things that would be helpful to know? I will have 7 clinical's there before the semester is over. I really wish now I would have had experiance as a CNA before this, oh well, to late. Thanks for any input.

Michelle:uhoh3:

[KimRN03]

My first hospital experience was on an Ortho unit and I loved it! Now I am a RN on an Ortho floor and still love it! The most important thing is to know how to transfer a patient. What did they have done and what are the restrictions? If you can continue to observe your patient during PT and OT sessions, you will also learn by watching them. Learn the abbreviations that are commonly used for Ortho. Check out Orthonurse.org for more info on Orthopedic nursing if you are still interested. Don't let others tell you that they hated Ortho, most nurses say that because they don't understand how to move their patients or have an idea that Ortho is a "heavy" floor. I can honestly say, I did more lifting when I was on Med/Surg. I think the atmosphere on Ortho units are very team-oriented. We all are usually more then willing to help our collegues move and transfer their patients. Another great thing about Ortho is you still get exposure to post-op patients. The patients may have other more chronic illnesses as well, so you will be exposed to Diabetes, Heart Disease, COPD, CHF, arthritis. I think it is a great place to start out. If you have other questions, please feel free to PM me or e-mail. Good Luck! :)

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

Kim, that's EXACTLY how I feel. Are you a member of naon? I got my ONC in 1989, but Im going to have to give it up this year. I guess I'll ask for retired/inactive status. Anyway ORTHO is definitely the best.

[KimRN03]

Kim, that's EXACTLY how I feel. Are you a member of naon? I got my ONC in 1989, but Im going to have to give it up this year. I guess I'll ask for retired/inactive status. Anyway ORTHO is definitely the best.

P RN, yes, I just sent in my registration and $85 to NAON, I am excited to hear more from them. Do you have any insight on getting an ONC? Just curious....why would you have to give it up. I am so excited to go back to work, I have been off for 6 weeks due to surgery. Can't wait to hit the floor runnin'!