ortho joint vs ortho spine:difficult transition?

outsidethebox · Jun 26, 2015

I think that change is good. However, I feel that orthopedics does include spinal surgeries in many facilities. It will be a little different at first, but then will become easier. The spine unit is much like the orthopedic unit, but is more focused on ambulation than other exercises included in therapy. There are restrictions on bending, lifting or twisting of the spine. Some fusions will require a collar or brace for stabilization. Pain is an issue, just like in joint replacement patients. Of course, many have chronic pain and this may be as challenging. The same risks exist; infection, VTE, pneumonia, urinary retention, constipation and anemia. Therapy is usually limited to ambulation or occupational therapy while in the hospital. Once healing has began, these patients may need additional therapy. Many have lost some function or sensation in extremities, and this sensation or function may take a while to return, months or years if at all. Good luck. I am sure you will do well. We actually had the physical therapist give us a presentation and it made things clearer for us.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 17, 2015

OK, I floated to my new "sister" floor which is neuro/ortho spine. I am ortho certified and thought, it can't be that bad. Oh boy was I wrong! They have totally different assessments that I did not know about and felt like and idiot. I am going to ask if I can shadow a day or two to learn what they do. They have different acronyms that I didn't understand. I was only there to help out for 4 hours (they had some urgent stroke admits) and I felt like a new grad!!!!

Where else can I get info about assessing specific? Their neuro checks were similar to what we do on a joint floor, but there were other, more specific ones I was unfamiliar with and it was too hectic for someone to spend time with me.