New to Ortho

[quilter2]

I just got a job as an RN at an outpatient orthopedic clinic. I have no experience in Ortho whatsoever. I am just trying to figure out what to do. So far, I am taking phone calls from patients and helping w/med refills. I am helping in clinic by doing some brief assessments for the docs. I still don't feel comfortable w/my assessments, esp. charting. Can you give me some hints, tips, examples, etc.

Thank you.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

That would have been my dream job a few years back.

The National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses has several educational books and tapes. Check with your hospital library forthe naon Core Curriculum and their education tapes. Perhaps they could interlibrary loan them for you if they don't have them.

The core curriculum is excellent. Perhaps 250 pages covering all ortho systems. Brush up on your neurovascular assessments......

color (pink, pale, blue) sensation......movememvt.....you can find some of that info online if you need to refresh. IndianaState has a good powerpoint presentation online.

http://www.indstate.edu/nurs/mary/Ortho/index.htm

Get the doctors to show you putting on a cast....looking at xrays.....removing fixators. Perhaps they'd let you observe some surgery on off time. Learn to ALWAYS check with the doctor.....an itchy spot under a cast MAY just be a gaping sore, or could just be an itchy spot. You don't say where you are located, but see if there is a naon chapter nearby.

Boy oh boy I love bones, and I'd love to be right at your elbow on this assignment.