Week 1

The Orthopaedic Trauma Patient

Presentation

Triaging wounds

Initial wound management

Open fracture management

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Prepare equipment for initial stabilisation of the trauma patient

Select dressings and materials for initial wound management

Understand the grading system for open fractures and how this affects management of these cases

Prepare all necessary items for treatment of open fractures

Week 2

Preparing the Patient for Surgery

Clipping and preparing the patient

Orthopaedic theatre nursing

Theatre set up

Instrumentation

Scrub nurse role

Cleaning and sterilising

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Create an appropriate surgery schedule

Identify common orthopaedic surgical instruments and their use

Prepare and confidently check the theatre set up for a range of procedures, including equipment

Have a full understanding of orthopaedic equipment and how to care for it correctly

Understand the benefits a scrub nurse provides to the surgeon, the patient and the surgical procedure

Week 3

Orthopaedic Procedures – So Many to Choose From!

Surgery

Arthroscopy

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the options available for common orthopaedic conditions

Create a case study for a patient they have been involved in the nursing care of

Identify common surgical equipment, its use and how to prepare for surgery

Week 4

Fracture Repair – Internal Fixation

Fracture classification

Implants and consumables

Surgical instruments and equipment

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Identify common surgical implants used in fracture repair

Understand how the method of repair used will impact on the care required for the patient post-operatively

Week 5

Fracture Repair – External Fixation

Implants and consumables

Surgical instruments and equipment

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Identify common surgical implants used for external fracture repair

Understand the instructions required by owners for the ongoing care and management of patients with external fixators

Week 6

Recovery and the Post-Operative Period

Recovery from anaesthesia

Immediate therapy

Ongoing nursing care plans

Surgical complications

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Create nursing care plans for post-operative surgical patients

Develop the team role for nurses in the rehabilitation of orthopaedic patients

Understand the key responsibilities for client communication and post-operative care

Identify common complications and how to ensure owners understand the potential consequences