Ortho/Neuro/Trauma Floor

[Nurse_Katina, BSN, RN]

I am starting my first RN job on Monday. The floor I'm on is a combination of ortho, neuro, and trauma patients. It is a large hospital with a level one trauma center. My final clinical was on this floor, so I am at least somewhat familiar with what I am walking into. My question is, does anyone have any suggestions of what I could be studying to prepare myself for this adventure? Would I be better off revisiting the conditions I'm likely to see or pharmacology, or something else entirely? I'm nervous due to the large variety of patients this floor has, but also excited about the huge potential to learn so many different things. The hospital has a wonderful training program, and I am in no way being thrown to the wolves or anything like that. I'm just trying to use my time wisely to prepare for this. Any advice at all is greatly appreciated!

[iHeartKey]

Hi, I just accepted a job offer on a floor like this. What do you recommend since you’ve been working there?

[Nurse_Katina, BSN, RN]

I suggest making sure you know what each part of the brain controls to better understand what symptoms to expect from stroke patients when the stroke has affected a certain area. Also, keep a really close eye out for blood clots in patients who had ortho surgeries. Especially bilateral knee surgeries, and really watch the patients who just won't get up and walk or work with PT. They can and will get clots. I've caught many, but I also had one that died. I assume it was a clot, but I really don't know for sure. Be ready to do a lot of diabetes education for those who come in for amputations. When they have their toes cut off you just have to hope that you don't see them again in a few months for a BKA. Be ready to give A LOT of narcotics. These patients are in a lot of pain.