Surgical Nurses- Please help

[Carla25]

I have recently started a new job on a surgical floor as a new grad. It is so overwhelming and alot to learn. Can any surgical nurses out share anything that might help me as a new grad. I know some important things after surgery is pain managment, assessing the incision and dressing, DB&C, ambulating, using the incentive spirometer, passing gas, voiding if no foley, having a BM, please feel free to add to help a new nurse out. Anything you can think that might be important for surgical patients.

Thanks

[NurseCard, ADN]

Looks like you have a lot of the bases covered. =) One thing that I learned when I worked on the surgery floor is that many surgeons, especially general surgeons, are VERY particular about all I+O's being charted before they get there in the morning, and they are usually there early.

Watch for signs of blood clots and clots that have moved (i.e, pulmonary embolism) in surgery patients, especially hip fracture patients. Sudden shortness of air, crackly lung sounds. Make sure patients have the proper precautions in place, such as TED hose, compression stockings, foot pumps. Make sure these stay on the patient at all times when they are lying in bed, though some doctors will order that they may actually be left off after the patient has ambulated.

Keep a close eye on your labs. Vital signs, of course.

Trying to think, what else... um, encourage them not to smoke, as this impedes healing. Although most places are either non smoking these days, or have a policy in place that no patient may smoke without a doc's order. My hospital at the current time has a pretty open smoking policy; we don't force any patient who is able, to NOT go down to the smoking area to smoke. However, the facility itself will become smoke free in November.

[cmarie81]

Keep an eye on labs, particularly K+. So many surgeries drastically affect potassium levels

[RockyCreek]

I like the advice you have gotten so far -- I would just add a few extras:

1. Watch BP for the 'secret signs' of bleeding or pain. Not everyone will tell you how they feel so you have to be a detective.

2. Watch that BS level on all diabetics, whether they are eating or not! Surgery can change the body chemisty and send people up or down dramatically.

3. Don't forget the families! They need us and the patient needs them. Always ask them if they have questions and explain all care.

4. Let people sleep! Yes, we have to do assessments but allow for long interrupted periods, too.

5. Listen to the little voice in the back of your head. Even if everything is 'normal' on the outside, you may just 'know' something is wrong.

Welcome aboard - glad to have you! :wlcmggrp:

[poppi76]

Hello everyone. I am a surgical tech student and i am writing a paper on CABG surgery. i was wondering if any surgical nurses happen to know what instruments are used during the surgery?? i cannot seem to find any information on it and the procedures from opening to closing. thank u for to anyone who can possible help me.