What is expected for the CNA to work on an orthopedics floor?

RNperdiem, RN · Oct 8, 2012

Lots of people need help getting to the bathroom in ortho. They can't get up and around unassisted.

If you think you feel shy, the people you are helping to the bathroom are probably feeling shy too.

In addition, there are the usual CNA duties like checking vital signs, assisting with turns, passing meal trays.

ChipNurse · Oct 9, 2012

I work on an ortho floor. We do q4 vitals, accuchecks, bedbaths, a LOT of ambulating/toileting pts, put on CPMs, filling ice bags, empty foleys/drains; I/O etc.

Typical shift:

1500-1600: Vitals; chart vitals; fill ice bags/water pitchers; take CPM off of pts if needed

1600-1700: accuchecks

1700-1800: set up dinners/feed if necessary; gather I/O from dinner and chart

1800-1900: start HS care (teeth brushed, faced washed, bed bath, pericare)

1900-2000: Vitals; put knee replacements on CPMs; refill ice/H2O

2000-2100: finish up HS care

2100-2200: accuchecks; turn pts; take off CPMs after they were on for 2 hrs

2200-2300: empty and chart drains, foleys and I/Os; toilet pts; refill ice and H2O

Do all of this and answer the bazillion call lights. Toileting is busiest after meals and before bedtime.

Remember to stand behind the pt when walking them so if they lose their balance you can catch their fall. Pay attention to how many assist they are-always ask for help if you are unsure. Knee pts have immobilizers until 8hrs after nerve block is removed; their knee can buckle and they could fall if they don't have it on. Hip pts have 3 rules: No twisting, No crossing and no breaking 90 degrees.

Overall- it's a good floor to work on. Usually no infectious pts (so no C-diff :) ) MOST are continent and oriented. They tend to be healthier and in better spirits (except when in a ton of pain!) Have fun!!

ChipNurse · Oct 9, 2012

Oh! And in terms of vitals: Make sure to report abnormal vitals ASAP. High temp, high HR could mean infection. Also low BPs need to be reported since a lot of the pts get some pretty hard narcotics which will lower their BP even more.