Ortho/Neuro/Trauma Nurse Resume Help

[slc31]

Seasoned Ortho/Neuro Nurses, I need your assistance.

I'm a new nurse working in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma (I also float to general MedSurg), and I am trying to update my resume. This is my first nursing job since passing NCLEX, and I having difficulty writing my job responsibilities.

The floor that I work on receives trauma patients (stabs, falls, shootings, motorcycle crashes, motor vehicle accidents, occupational/freak accidents, sports injuries, and elective surgeries) that result in fractures, lacerations, closed head injuries, subarachnoid/subdural hematomas... Some patients are on the floor for 24hr observation; after which they are admitted, transferred to an ICU or discharged. Others are scheduled for ORIFs, IM Nails, Spinal Disk Fusions, Incision & Evacuation, STSGs, Muscle Flaps, Incision & Drainage... The post-op patients have wound vacs, hemovacs, JP drains, external fixators, ace wraps/splints, immobilizers, TLSO braces, hinge braces, traction, CPM machines, NG/Peg tubes... On my particular floor, there is a lot of pain medication administration, PCA pump maintenance, wound care/dressing changes and education on pain management, mobility, and self care.

How do I write my job description so that it communicates succinctly what it is that I do as an Ortho/Neuro/Trauma Nurse? I have a copy of my job description to reference, but it seems very vague to me.

It states:Under general supervision, provides functions of a professional nurse providing direct patient care by assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care of assigned patiens; may provide guidance and direction to health care personnel....

All nurses provide direct patient care, patient/family education, dispense medication...

Please help.

[nurseingrid]

sounds like u and i work the same unit...AND i too want to update my resume and have no idea how to say ALL that in resume form...i too could use some help

[Colorado1]

• Receive patients from PACU, monitor post-op vitals, set up PCA, fluids, review post-op orders, orient patient to unit and review plan of care

• Obtain admission history, entering collected data into computer system

• Educate patients specific to condition, including precautions, potential post-op complications, etc

• Communicate effectively with patients, family members, physicians, and coworkers

• Monitor patients closely for changes in condition and advocate as needs arise

• Position patients with respect to proper alignment, using understanding of body mechanics

• Enhance patient status to return to baseline function or better, using multi-modal approach and communicating with various therapies and resources (PT, OT, RT, ST, pharmacy, social work, chaplain, massage)

• Manage pain effectively, implementing position changes, cold therapy, activity, timely administration of analgesics with consideration of prior function (chronic pain, assistive devices, emotional requirements)

• Set up and maintain various components of orthopedic equipment: Cryocuff, femoral nerve blocks, CPM, traction and overhead frame

• Maintain supportive relationship with coworkers and delegate as appropriate

That's just a little to get you started- just what I came up with off the top of my head. Think about what you do in a shift and you'll be amazed at how much you can come up with!