Applying to Ortho floor...almost as a New Grad RN...advice?

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Hello everyone!

I have been an RN at an acute rehab hospital for the past year. I love what I do, but lately, I feel like going for a change. I did first ever clinical on an ortho/neuro floor, and I actually liked it. My question is, for all of you Ortho RNs, (or anyone with similar experience), is would it be very difficult for me to transition from a working at an acute rehab hospital (dealing with a lot of ortho patients s/p surgery, CVA patients, TBIs, deconditioned patients, etc...I deal with blood draws, PEGs, IVs) to an Ortho unit? I feel like I'd almost be starting as a new grad all over again. But I am totally willing to learn and learn and learn...just was wondering how hard the transition would be.

Any advice would be great! Thank you so much!

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I think this would actually be a wonderful transition as you are going from one setting to a very similar setting. I went straight to ortho as a brand new grad with no experience and learned a lot. I am sure you will be just find with your background.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I went from subacute rehab to a surgical unit with ortho patients and I can tell you that it only helped because I already knew how to transfer patients and help them ambulate.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I went from LTC rehab to ortho and it helped having the experience with know your precautions and how to help PT. You will be great!

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