First Day on an Orthopaedic Surgery Unit - Suggestions?!

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Hi there!

I'm in my last semester at George Brown's practical nursing program, and I just found out I got a clinical extern position at a hospital in downtown Toronto on their orthopaedic surgery floor! I am so excited to be on a surgical floor and see a different side of nursing as I have only been in long term care placements as of yet!

What are some things I can expect on the first day? Is there anything I should study up on prior to starting on an orthopaedic unit? I will definitely be reviewing my notes for hip and knee replacements, anything else?!

 

Thanks so much ? 

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Specializes in Operating Room RN.

welcome to med/surg nursing ? you are almost finishing up your program ? orthopeadic surgery is an exciting area to work in as you will likely meet a variety patient population (young-old) with different needs.

I would recommend getting yourself to ready to common assessment you would do on patients with ortho injuries, ie Colour/Warmth/Movement/Sensation, mobility assessment... 

Understating their post-op orders: different weight-bearing status, common used analgesics orders and discharge orders, blood works and lab values.

Review some bones anatomy and maybe the surgical procedure too if you have time later on,  

This should help your clinical days and best of luck!! ? 

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