ortho/neuro GN

suehp · Apr 28, 2007

I have been offered a position at a local hospital as a GN on the ortho/neuro floor and wanted to see if the info I have recieved sounds like a good place to start my career. I have NEVER done ortho/neuro in school only med/sug, CCU and our maternity/child rotations. This hospital said they would train me for 8-10 weeks and I would do class room work and learn all about PCA's, Stryker's, and observe every surgery for those first 8 weeks before I would be allowed pt care so that I can better understand what the pts are going thru and how to help them. They said day 1 would be just learning IV pumps, day two learning blood transfusions, ect with each day focoused on one thing. After 1 year they would get me Ortho certified?? Does this sound like a resonable orientation to those of you who know ortho??

I dont know about Ortho certified in one year as Idont know anythingabout that (I am relatively new to nursing in this country). But apart from tht your oreintation sounds reasonable to me- you will do well I am sure...

tx2007, RN · Apr 28, 2007

Thanks I hope so!!

tracern77 · May 4, 2007

You actually have to be in practice as an RN for at least 2 years before you can even take the orthopaedic certification exam (ONC). You also have to have at least 1000 hours work on an ortho unit. So I'm surprised that they are telling you they can certify you after a year. hmmm.

The training sound great. It's nice that they allow you to go and watch every surgery. I think it gives you a better appreciation as to what the patient is going through. If you train for 8-10 weeks...and don't have patient care until after you've completed your first 8 weeks...do you only get 2 weeks of experience on the floor with patients before you are on your own? That might be a little scary for you, might want to have them clarify that. Hope you like ortho...it's great, patients seem to go in and out faster than just surgical, and most patients are fairly healthy. Good Luck!

tx2007, RN · May 5, 2007

trace I talked with my manager today and I will not do pt care the first 2 weeks of work. After that I will start to pass meds on 4-5 pts and thats it for on week to get used to the computer system. The fourth week I will do full pt care for one pt. The fifth week I switch to night shift (that's the shift I will be on after orientation) and start to take two pts. Up until I take a full pt load. The first two weeks are classes and learning the machines and surgeries. I did ask again about Ortho cert and they said it was 2 years (Guess I misunderstood). I am excited they showed me around the floor today and I start a week from Monday!

tracern77 · May 9, 2007

Good Luck!

tx2007, RN · May 11, 2007

Thanks!!

november17, ASN, RN · May 27, 2007

Hi there ortho/neuro GN buddy. I just started as an orth/neuro GN as well. We're in the same boat! What do you think so far? I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Probably one of the best jobs I've ever had.

tx2007, RN · May 27, 2007

I'm enjoying it too!! I worked my first full week last week and it was great I got to watch a full knee and full hip replacement and ask the Dr's lots of questions. I was literally 12 inches away from the pt. I have this week off to study for and take my NCLEX. I hope I pass so I can continue to work here! Good Luck to you and I'm glad youre liking it as well!

Michellex1013 · May 30, 2007

your orientation sounds very acceptable. For any new grad on any medical or surgical floor up to 3 months of orientation and preceptorship is appropriate. You start off with a week (or more) or classes and then you follow a nurse around learning the ropes of charting, giving meds, learning equipment, etc. Then you start with a few patients on your own up until you have a full load (with a resourse person to go to for questions). It can take weeks or a couple of months before a full load. During the three months expect anxiety and stress that should decrease with each week. Being a new grad don't let it over welm you. You have to give it months before you can decide if you fit into that particular unit and specialty. You will probably encounter nurses that "like to eat there own." It's hard but don't let it bother you. They are just nurses who have forgotten they used to be new too. You will probably end up being friends with them after. I have seen this MULTIPLE times. As long as you willing to learn your unit shouldn't have a problem.

Good Luck and Congrats.

Michelle

SanskeetRN · May 31, 2007

Can I join the GN ortho/neuro club I will actually start on July 9th. I take my NCLEX Monday (June 4th). Can you say anxiety!!

triciaa99 · Jun 14, 2007

Hi Michelle, I really appreciate your reply to these messages. I just started out on an ortho floor and so far its been really interesting. Didn't hear much about orthopedics while I was in school but am looking forward to the experience I'll gain in Ortho. I will like to ask though If u have some assertive pointers or tips to give to new grads on the floor. I've heard you always have to be assertive but at the same time listen, ask questions and don't act like you know it all. Being doing a lot of listening and asking questions but will appreciate more tips about being assertive on the floor, both with patients and fellow nurses. I've also heard you need to be in control with your patients since you are the one providing the care, but am learning to make that transition and will appreciate some tips and advise.