new nurse, new town, new floor

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I'm sure a similar post has been posted before, but I have to ask anyway. I graduated from nursing school in December and accepted a job on the orthopedic floor in a completely new town, new hospital, etc... (still trying to adjust and meet people in fact). It's a 16 bed floor and the hospital is the only local level 1 trauma as well (not sure if that's really important). Anyway, I have been in a few of their coronary care classes, orientation, and I actually start on the floor next week. Does any one have any suggestions, advice, things to not do (trying not to look completely clueless working and learning)? I'm also a massage therapist, and will be working on the night shift. I know pain management is going to be a BIG issue there, but other than that I'm really nervous. Any input would be great!! :rolleyes:

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Well first of all congrats on the new job. Did you take the internship? I would have loved to have a really l o n g orientation.Mine was "hello, sign these forms, go to CPR, congratulations you're now an employee" and on call the first weekend........thank goodness it's not like that anymore.

I wouldn't recommend the "clueless" type but don't be in too big of a rush to be on your own. Be like a sponge and learn all you can. Ask questions. It's not dumb to ask, it's dumb to NOT ask. Ask the doctors to show/tell you what they're doing. Follow the social worker, the respiratory therapist, the physical therapist even if it's only for one patient.

I hope you grow to love ortho, it's my favorite.I did it for 22 years and have been certified since 1989 in ortho.

One- the code cart grows dust bunnies,-they almost NEVER pass away. Two- we mainly had elective surgeries because there's also a trauma floor and a neuro floor.

Again congratulations on all the new stuff in your life.

P

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Wear good shoes :chuckle I am a tech on the orthopedic floor and everyone who works on the floor (RNs, LPNs, and Techs) all are on our feet so much all day running around. I know most nursing is this anyways, but it is especially true in ortho ,I think, because a lot of your patients can't even walk! So wear good, comfortable shoes.

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thanks for the info! I'm really excited about this floor. And yes.. I have been in orientation for the last 2 weeks, and have one week left before I even get to be on the floor. This should be interesting!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

Another thing,, watch very closely in orientation how patients are positioned, assisted and ambulated. Dont attempt to move a new ortho by yourself until you are sure of what you are doing.

I agree with prn,, i hope you will learn to love ortho. I do, wouldnt change floors for anything except maybe if they made me work nights again.

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