Working in Ortho as a PCA/PCT what should I know?

Nurses General Nursing

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I`m going to get my LPN, but I`m starting off as a PCA/PCT. I will be working in Ortho on 3rd shift in December. The Hospital I work at has a 5 day PCA trainning class. & after 30 days follows up with Advance PCA classess that are 2 days long.

Is there anything I can start looking at or Studying now to give best patient care? Anthing I schould prepare for? Basic duties are that of a CNA pluse EKG`s. Enemias, Cathadiers, & changing wounded dressings. It just seems that 5 days of trainning isn`t enough. Of course I will be working with a Perceptor, just not sure how long.

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Specializes in vascular, med surg, home health , rehab,.

Hello,

in my state anyway, you wouldn't be doing EKGs, removing caths etc.So not sure if this will be helpful. Look up total hip precautions, ask if there are any weight bearing precautions on your pts, know how to put someone in a CPM. Learn how to empty and chart the various drains. If you don't know ask. Ortho is hard work for a tech. From a nurse point of view, great to see someone who really wants to do a great job, so thank you and good luck!

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Thank You for some info!!!! This is one of those make or break type things. & it is really like russian rullet in todays economy, with a family as head of household.

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:up:I agree know about total hip limitations, and on our floor about if the person has been gotten up to the commode or the bathroom yet. We prefer once that have made that transition not to revert them back to the bed pan. On our ortho floor we use AVI boots and PAS that squeeze the legs to prevent blood clots, make sure to hook those back up when you get them back into bed they are very important! Look for "needs a UA" signs, and measure I and O accurately. Always remember to save your back, ortho is a very physical floor, ask for help and you will do great!

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Specializes in Government.

Learn to duck! Traction equipment can leave a mark! :D

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Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

Ortho is a very heavy specialty. Remember to not sacrifice your back for this job. Learn proper body mechanics and be sure to work out to keep your core strong. You can't help anybody if you are injured yourself.

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