Orientation at Ortho floor

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Hello guys. I'll be working in an ortho floor as my first RN job. Please give me idea on how I can prepare for my orientation. I will be starting by last month of november or first week of december. So I still have time to prepare myself. This concerns me a lot because I haven't used my nursing skills for 2 years since I am working as a nurses aide and reviewing for my RN exam. Any ideas will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance. muwah!:heartbeat

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Specializes in Making the Pt laugh..

Congrats!!!

My first RN job was also Ortho and I loved the work. There isn't too much you need to revise or prepare for, I think these are the basics as I remember them.

Neuro-vascular obs: revise the major nerves of the limbs as well as the S&S of neuro-vascular compromise.

Traction, CPM, splints, slings: Go through the construction of these to remember the basics of setting them up. Different Consultants have preferences so don't get wrapped around the axles on the specifics...you should be told how they like them.

Body positioning: Revising the golden rules of body positioning, hip replacements for example should never allow the leg to cross the midline among other rules.

Take note from the experienced staff on the floor to find out the specifics used in that facility. And have fun, Ortho can be great.

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Review administration of blood & blood products.

And prevention of DVT and PE; administration of

anticoagulants.

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Specializes in Pediatric Heme/Onc/BMT.

I've been working on an ortho floor as a new grad for a month now.

I'd agree with everything already said, plus...

- Pain meds - Dilaudid, Percocet, Morphine, Vistaril, Vicodin, etc in oral, IV, epidural and PCA routes

- EXCELLENT body mechanics for yourself. Half of the day is spent transferring and repositioning. You HAVE to save your back, neck, arms and legs. Get help, make a plan and be careful!

I hope you enjoy your unit!

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