Starting as Ortho GN in less than a week...

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 30, 2006

Good luck. Remember CMS which means: circulation, movement and sensation. Review compartment syndrome.

It will all fall into place. Good luck to you!

RoxannMM · May 30, 2006

CMS?? or CNS??

Sorry.

I have been through 10 ortho surgeries myself (as a child13-15yrs). I hoping that will help me.

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 30, 2006

Cms??

Sorry, read again, I edited it. :)

RoxannMM · May 30, 2006

Thank You Very Much. Great little helper!

annmariern · May 30, 2006

Hi, dont be afraid to ask if you dont know. The newbies who dont ask scare me, lol. Believe me, we all have questions every day, newbies or oldies. Thats why nursing is always interesting. Great advice re comartment syndrome also add DVT and PE. CPM machines, hip precautions. Good luck!

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · May 31, 2006

First nursing job, this is exciting. I still have memories of my first job and that was almost 15 years ago. Don't be afraid to ask questions, don't let them take you off orientation until you are ready. Ortho is mostly circulation and movement, make sure they have good pulses beyond the surgical site, believe the pain the patient tells you they have, unrealistic pain can mean there are other problems, neuro checks are needed due to high risk of emboli. Know where the Narcan is kept. Learn to use a doppler and a bladder scanner and use them often as a nursing measure, this may save you a lot of last minute scrambling. Introduce yourself to the surgeons, you may be calling them at awkward times and hours in the future. Always be a patient advocate, you can't go wrong with that approach in charting and actions.

debsuztx · May 31, 2006

First of all, "Congratulations" on your new job. I started out on a Ortho unit as a brand new LVN and was terrified. I asked ALOT of questions; as someone already stated, the people who don't ask, you worry about. If you don't know something, ask. I found someone on the unit who really liked to teach, and always felt like I could go to her if I didn't know something. All the advice given already is GREAT! Also, make sure you stand up for yourself (even though you're new) and be assertive when necessary. Always remember to check your facility's policies and procedures (will save you everytime). There were nurses who had worked on that unit for years and were miserable, I tried to stay away from the negative people and surrounded myself with positive people instead. :clown:

beautifulb · May 31, 2006

I have done ortho for a few years and it is very interesting. Some doctors like things a particular way, i.e. hemovac suction, dsg. changes, and post-op knee surgery regarding the use of a CPM and knee extention (sp?) to name a few. Also, learn hip precautions for a total hip arthroplasy or partial.

Pain control is also really big. Some places have a pain protocol. Along with pain control comes constipation.

There is a lot to learn so don't be too overwhelmed!

RoxannMM · Jun 1, 2006

I just wanted to say Thank You All for the POSITIVE feedback. It's been great and reassuring. I am glad that other nurses see questions as a good thing. I have always asked question thoughout school they were ones that needed serious thought and most nurses where stumped by them as well. Two + Brains are better than this Lonely Novice One.

Thank you for all the tips as well I just have one my question do you think a Goniometer will be a good clinical tool for me to have. It is used to measure like degree of flexion and extensions. If you think it is TOTALLY unnessecary please don't be affarid to tell me.

Here is a picture of what it is. http://www.allheart.com/pm47.html