NU7572 Elective Orthopaedic Nursing (10 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to

• Describe the pathophysiological responses to orthopaedic conditions.
  
• Using evidence based practice critically explore and develop a nursing care plan approach to the individual holistic care patients will receive.
  
• Examine and critically discuss the role of the nurse regarding the patient's episode of care undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery.
  
• Describe and critically discuss the supportive braces that may be used for the orthopaedic patient and the nursing care and discharge advice the patient should receive while wearing such devices.
  
• Using evidence based practice and clinical competence provide care for the patient prior to, during and post cast application.
  
• Critically discuss the health and safety considerations for both staff and patients in relation to removal of a cast.

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing (2001) identifies that the specialist
nurse should act as a consultant in clinical practice and education to both nurses and the wider
multidisciplinary team. This highlights the evolving nature of the specialist nurse's role, as one of change
agent, management, leadership and utilising evidence based practise to ensure the attainment of
excellence in patient care. It is vital therefore that nurses working within the orthopaedic specialist area
have the proficient knowledge, skills and attitudes to undertake this role.
The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to develop further their specialist
nurse role through applying advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes when caring for patients following
elective orthopaedic surgery and. The module will also enhance the students clinical competence in the
management and care of patients undergoing either surgical or conservative management of spinal
conditions, care of patients with metabolic conditions, and the nursing care and management of patients
with orthopaedic deformities.

Recommended Reading List

Indicative Resources

• Bradford D. S. and Zdeblick T. A. (eds) (2004) The Spine. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadephia.
  
• Crawford Adams J. and Hamblen D.L. (2001) Outline of Orthopaedics, 13th edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
  
• Dandy D. and Edwards D. (2009) Essential Orthopaedics and trauma, 5th edn. Churchill Livingstone, New York.
  
• Dorfman M and Czernick, B. (1998) Bone Tumors. Mosby, St.Louis.
  
• Hill J. (ed) (2006) Rheumatology nursing a creative approach, 2nd edn. Whurr Publishers Ltd, Chichester.
  
• Hunt, D. (1995) Minimal Access Orthopaedics. Radcliffe Medical Press, Oxford.
  
• Kneale J. and Davis, P.S. (eds.) (2005) Orthopaedic and trauma nursing, 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
  
• Moore, K.L, Dalley A.F. and Agur A.M.R. (2009) Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Williams and Williams, Baltimore.
  
• Mosher C. M. (ed.) (2010) An Introduction to Orthopaedic Nursin. National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, Chicago.
  
• Whalan C. (2006) Assisting at Surgical operations- A practical Guide. Cambridge University Press.

*Other readings will be provided by individual lecturers.