Job Description

Duties:

attending to new patients, assessing their symptoms and relieving any discomfort before surgery

getting patients ready for surgery and preparing operating theatres

assisting orthopaedic surgeons during surgery and making sure patients emerge safely from anaesthesia

helping patients with supporting aids, such as crutches or canes

monitoring patient vital signs, identifying post-surgery issues, including compartment syndrome, infections and sepsis, and reporting any concerns to orthopaedic surgeons or consultants

collaborating with doctors to perform patient treatments

scheduling therapy sessions for patients and assisting where necessary to speed up recovery

treating post-surgery symptoms, such as administering oxygen to patients with low oxygen levels and giving blood transfusions to patients suffering from low blood pressure due to excessive bleeding

communicating and discussing patient issues with multi-disciplinary healthcare teams, which may include surgeons, consultants, microbiologists, plaster technicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and fracture liaison nurses

completing patient forms before surgery to help surgeons identify possible complications

ensuring patients experience typical sensations in the body parts where the surgeon operated

developing and implementing patient care plans

conducting patient assessments and helping them improve their mobility and strength after surgery

collecting blood, urine and tissue samples for laboratory testing

repositioning patients, taking into account their surgical and mobility restrictions

treating injuries with castings, splints and dressings

changing wound dressings

overseeing patient pain management, including checking for allergies and reactions, and involving specialist nurses when required

administering intravenous medications and managing epidurals, central venous access devices and patient-controlled analgesia pumps

conducting frequent routine observations after surgery

educating patients and their loved ones about musculoskeletal conditions and how patients may recover at home and prevent infections and additional injuries, which may include suggesting therapy and medications

collaborating with family members and healthcare professionals to help prepare patients for lifestyle adjustments following surgery.

Requirements:

• Valid SANC Registration
• A Diploma in General Nursing Science.
• A post basic qualification in Orthopedic Nursing.
• At least 3 years relevant experience.

JobPlacements.com