In honor of National Orthopedic Nurses Day, we asked Jack Davis, HSS Nurse and Manager of Patient Education Programs, how patients can best prepare for orthopedic surgery.
Q1. What is it like to be an Orthopedic Nurse at HSS?
HSS nurses have a high level education and skills specific to managing patients of all ages with musculoskeletal disease and conditions. We deliver care to infants, adults and older adults patients across many settings: physician’s office, ambulatory setting, operating room, recovery room and on the inpatient unit wards. We are educators, managers and researchers who are dedicated to providing quality care and services to patients and their families.
Q2. How will HSS nurses assist with preparing me for orthopedic surgery?
Nurses will typically provide instructions and materials to you at multiple points of care to reinforce key messages. Our nursing staff develop content and provide you access to written materials as well as face to face or telephone one-on-one consults, group lectures and through links to other preparation via the hospital website. Nurses teach classes during the pre-operative pathway to align expectations, focusing on self-care management techniques. Nurses in the pre-surgical screening department partner with patients and families to assess health status and reduce the risk of potential complications. Nurses also staff a call center that reaches out to all patients to provide specific, individualized instructions, so patients are well-informed and prepared for the day of surgery.
Q3. This is my first surgery; do you have any tips about coming in for surgery and being in the hospital?
Hospitals are often an unfamiliar environment with numerous locations that need to be navigated. It is normal to experience challenges that may increase anxiety. Asking a friend or family member to be with you throughout the process may be helpful. Nurses encourage you and your family to “speak up” and ask questions – especially if you do not understand something about your care. We encourage you to take notes or keep a journal across your journey to help track your progress. Your journal can be used as a reminder to trigger questions for members of your healthcare team. Nurses encourage you to be an active participant in your own care.
Q4. How do nurses, along with other staff members assist me to have smooth recovery?
Nurses collaborate with all other team members and coordinate care to provide a swift and safe recovery. They work closely with the surgeon and other healthcare team members as you advance on your journey to recovery. Nurses help manage your pain effectively so you can participate in physical therapy and return to functional activities. Nurses are with you at every phase of care and provide communication from one nurse to the next to assure that you receive safe and effective care. Nurses work to anticipate patient and family needs to provide a highly satisfactory hospital experience and will contact you after you leave the hospital to provide additional post hospital care instructions.
Jack Davis MSN, RN, ONC is the Manager of Patient Education Programs at Hospital for Special Surgery who has over 30 years experience in orthopedic nursing. He has been an active member of the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) since 1991. Jack serves as Director of the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) and is passionate about helping others improve nursing practice through specialty certification, research and continuing education.
