LPN/LVN Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses take care of people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled. They care for patients by assessing, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation, under general supervision, and in accordance with established practices and philosophy. Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nursees work with other professionals to ensure patient care is delivered effectively to achieve desired patient outcomes. The LPN/LVN must effectively interact with the patient and family members while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. There are many travel assignments and jobs available for the Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse as the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that nursing is one of the top 10 occupations with the largest job growth. Where would you like to visit? Work in a great environment and enjoy free time seeing places you have always wanted to visit. Many great opportunities await the Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse in today’s market!

What does an Orthopedic LPN/LVN do?

Orthopedic Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nursees provide care for patients suffering from musculoskeletal diseases and malfunctions. The LPN/LVN provides care for patients who have fractured bones, suffer from arthritis and many other bone and muscle related problems, patients after joint replacement surgeries and patients suffering from degenerative diseases.

Performing external fixation care, casting, monitoring neurovascular status and continuous motion therapy are a few of the things the LPN/LVN will assist the patient with. The LPN/LVN is responsible for post-operation care and administering treatments. The role of the Orthopedic Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse may also include helping the patient with therapy and assistance for faster recuperation and healing. Orthopedic LPN/LVN work in many settings including orthopedic units of hospitals, nursing facilities and clinics. They can also work with fitness centers, sports teams or set up their own private clinics.

Duties, Tasks and Responsibilities of the Orthopedic Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse

• Observe and monitor the health and general body condition of the patient and report changes to the physician.
• Collaborate with the physician to perform treatments on patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
• Educate patients and their family members on steps to manage pain and how to avoid post-surgical infections.
• Observe, monitor and quickly take action if there are any signs of negative reactions to medications or allergies.
• Attend to patient’s hygiene by assisting with bed pan changes, body cleaning and diaper changes when necessary.
• Educating injured athletes in management of treatment of pain and how to recover after an injury. Orthopedic LPN/LVNs may assist with the training of athletes when they are recovering from an injury as well.
• Perform wound dressing on patients with infection
• Observe and monitor vital signs of patient.
• Help the patient to find support and resource groups when indicated.
• Helping patients improve their mobility and functionality with assistance in redesigning their personal spaces and recommending tools and furniture that may help support bone structure and promote healing.

An Orthopedic LPN/LVN should possess the following qualities to be effective on the job:

• Sensitivity to patient’s and family members feelings and reactions. These patients may be in pain and the LPN/LVN needs to understand pain and how it affects their patients and the family members.
• A desire to help people
• Attention is a very important skill as the Orthopedic LPN/LVN must pay attention to the orthopedic physician and the patients, understand instructions and ask questions when necessary.
• Critical thinking and logical reasoning skills
• Persuasiveness is a major plus in order to persuade their patients to follow instructions given and change unhealthy behaviors.
• Must possess an understanding of how the body and organs function and knowledge of the musculoskeletal system.
• Demonstrate the ability to understand medical terms and be able to interpret and communicate the physician’s assessments and prescriptions.
• Problem solving skills and the ability to take proactive decisions in the absence of the physician.
• Good at time management