Help, I'm getting worried to be oriented at ortho floor

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I'll be working in the ortho next month as my first RN job. I'm getting worried because majority of the nurses told me that it's hard to be in an ortho floor especially if you have no experience as RN. Youwill encounter PCAs, PCEAs, a lot of pain medication, a lot to chart, a lot to be cautious of, etc... They always say, and I can see in their faces, that I can still back out if I'm not sure. But, it's hard for me because I was interviewed and will be starting soon. I don't want to have negative impression to oue head nurse.

Please give me an advice on what to do so that I will be prepared and knowledgeable to work in my first RN job- Ortho?:o:bluecry1::icon_roll:(:uhoh21::uhoh3:

Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I've worked on a ortho/neuro/detox/medical floor for 3 years now...bout 2.5 as a CNA, a .5 as a RN. Roys tips are right on....but let me add a few more.

Learn the routines...on nights, you have most meds due at 1800, 2000, and 2200. After that, you have few meds besides antibitoics or prns. Make sure that every chance you get, you go look in on your patients. I've caught many patients almost out of bed, or doing something, or nearly falling out of their chairs, etc.

Elderly patients appreciate respect. Even those with sundowners, try to reorient them or at least just agree with whatever they are saying.

assessments are important whenever you feel that something is off. do your full head to toe, and then assess as needed through the shift.

Pulse oxs are like gold!

Whenever you call a doc, you better know what you want, how the pt is, and how likely it is for the doctor to yell at you...so you can prepare.

Make patients get up and MOVE! "oh it hurts a little". I tell patients that we medicate the best we can, but they will NOT be pain free. However, do fight to make patients as comfortable as possible.

You will be fine....do what you know you should each night, and again....if everyone's breathing, then everyone is ok.

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Specializes in ICU.

Every place you could start in nursing is going to be tough, because it's where you start in nursing. Ortho's as good a place as any. In fact, it may be the ideal place to start. You'll learn things that many other nurses have a tough time with. I work ICU, and I really don't feel comfortable with all the various traction devices and how to work with people who have broken or recently repaired bones. I would like to have more ortho hands-on experience. So, I kind of envy you.

Good luck. You'll make it, I have no doubt.

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i work on an ortho floor and let me tell you that dilaudid, morphine, and PCAs will become your immediate friend! Lots of pain control. People come to our floor and are amazed at how much dilaudid we push.

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.
Oh don't be scared! I worked on an ortho/neuro floor as a brand new RN and it was a great experience. You will learn so much and it does take a while but you;ll be fine. The best advice I got? If at the end of your shift, all the patients are breathing its a good day ;)

Ditto here. I was an LPN though on an ortho/neuro floor for four years and floated all over the hospital. Each floor will have its own set of challenges. No matter which floor/unit you choose, there will be alot to learn as a new grad. I got the exact same advise from my preceptor that the above poster got, " If at the end of your shift, all the patients are breathing it is a good day. " You'll do fine. Embrace every challenge and look foward to each new learning experience. :D

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Specializes in orthopaedics.

ortho is a great place to start. there is a lot of pain medication to be given. if the pt is a fresh post op you have antibiotics and sometimes steroids to deal with. you should have a good preceptor who will show you the ropes. if you have questions ask. if you feel that your preceptor is not a good match speak up.

congrats on the begining of your new career. enjoy.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.
* You will learn pretty soon that surgeons in general do not want to be bothered with "medical" issues of the patient (e.g.: blood sugar).
I just remembered an old joke:

Q: What is the surgeon's definition of the heart (function)?

A: "An organ used to pump Ancef around the body..."

:D

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Starting ortho is no harder than starting any other job. Relax. You will give a lot more pain med than on most other floors so review narcotics, non narcotic analgesics. Most of the ortho patients are pretty healthy if they are having joint replacements. You will have your share of diabetic and chronic pain pts. Get in good with one of the physical therapists and have them teach you their protocols for ortho pts and how to move them and how they should be moved. You will be comfortable real soon.

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Specializes in ortho/neuro/medsurg/peds.

I started out on an ortho/neuro/med surg unit as a new grad. It was the best experience! I learned sooo much that will help me through the rest of my career. I dont know how I did it. I worked midnights and we would always have 8-9 patients. We had an ortho wing, and I would have 8-9 brand new ortho patients. All PCAs, EPIs, autotransfusers, drains, CPMs. Dont know how I did it, but bones was pretty cool. Neuro on the other hand is scary. Drains coming from brains, skulls missing, UGH!!! I could not deal with that. Give me a broken hip any day!!!

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thanks for the outstanding tips roy.:yeah: i'm currently working the med/surge/ortho/neuro floor for the past 3 months and learned more from reading your post with it's tips than i have learned in the past 3 months working 7p-7a.

as a new nurse, i don't feel i'm learning as much as i should be working the all-nighters. having 8-9 patients guaranteed every shift is a bit overwhelming for a new rn. :uhoh3: once again, thanks for the tips roy...keep em coming. :bow:

gomer

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