Ortho

[bgwhirlwind09]

Hello all I'm in a hurry at the moment but I will come back to this tonight and post this exact same question in specialties but those of you out there who work in Ortho and med-surg will you answer a couple of questions? Just kind of some tips that help you manage your day with admissions discharges Etc? it's been five years since I've been on the floor I'm excited to get back into the better-paying three-day-a-week chaos so those of you that have a moment will you throw out some terminology of treatments, equipment used, and meds? Maybe some of the more common medications? I can also Google this later too. Thx much! Coming from private duty with special needs Pediatrics love love love the client but as you can imagine working in private homes can be a help all of their own and the pay is minimal. I'll have to remember this when I am in the midst of the chaos thanks again

[RNperdiem, RN]

Realize you have to delegate to the CNAs to survive because you cannot do it all. Cultivate a good relationship with them; they can make or break your shift.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Ortho is all about body mechanics when moving pts. And YES, you aides are your best friends. They should be respected regardless, but an aide that is a seasoned ortho aide will invaluable to you

Do not judge people that have chronic pain. You are not going to fix them if they are in the hosp for an acute issue. The original pain is not going away.

If they call you to use the bathroom (or bedpan) GO! they WILL try and get up without you.

Have patience if you have a somewhat confused elderly pt that has fallen and broken their hip.

Familiarize yourself with the procedures. It helps understand how they can and should move. You will also have a very close relationship with PT/OT. Embrace it!.

I have been an ortho nurse for over six years. I love it. It can be hard sometimes. Pt turnover is high but the good news is that most are not very sick; not very many die.

Happy to answer any other questions. :)

[mursev]

Brush up on pain medications and stool softeners. Also, utilize non-pharmacological methods as well. Ice and heat are a nurse's best friend. Also distraction and educating the patient about pain. Educate them and tell that it is important to treat the pain and stay ahead when it is small before it gets worse.