Orthopedics Bariatric?

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 12, 2014

You're probably going to encounter extremely large orthopedic patients -- spine issues, joint replacements and repairs, fractures. You'll encounter bariatric specialty beds and (hopefully) lifting equipment. Your size isn't necessarily an issue, but you'll want to ask in your interview what sort of lifting equipment is available, how consistently it's used and about ancillary staff. Bathing a 500 pound patient is not a single person job. You'll want to know about teamwork. When you tour the unit, check out the lifting equipment. One Hoyer lift in a corner covered with dust is a very bad sign. Run very fast. On the other hand, multiple lifts scattered around the unit with possibly a few smears on it indicates it is USED. You can clean off the smears, disgusting as it may be.

I'm happy to see a bariatric specialty unit. Dealing with bariatric patients is a specialty in and of itself, and some experience with this population will serve you well, regardless of where you decide to work in the future. You're going to encounter bariatric patients in every specialty, so your knowledge of how to work with them compassionately and efficiently will make you a valuable addition to any staff after you get your 1-2 years of experience on that unit!

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Jan 18, 2015

Make sure they have some kind of lift program in place and good team work. My unit is the designated ortho bariatric unit and we invested so much time and money in new lift equipment and classes to get everyone trained.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 19, 2015

I like the idea, but are there special lifts? The ones we have are not compatible with most hip replacements as it may flex the hip >90 degrees. We are not spine at all-joints only