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Elements and Performance Criteria

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

undertaken work in accordance with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia professional practice standards, codes and guidelines

worked as part of the interdisciplinary health care team in the workplace providing orthopaedic nursing interventions for each of the following conditions:

fracture with external fixation

fracture with internal fixation

fracture requiring non-surgical management

musculoskeletal injury where the person requires continuous passive motion therapy (CPM)

amputation where the person requires assistance with a prosthetic aid or device

conducted 2 specific activities in the workplace or simulated environment to support quality and promote safe innovations in orthopaedic nursing for an interdisciplinary team based on knowledge acquired through own professional development and learning.

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

the impact orthopaedic conditions may have on the person, including:

limitations in ability to perform daily living activities

loss or limitation of physical function

reduction in musculoskeletal function

accompanying trauma, injuries or impact of secondary disease processes

impact on sexuality, relationships, self-image, body image

need for support with personal coping mechanisms and community support mechanisms

need for support with maintenance, improvement of quality of life

anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of clinical manifestations of orthopaedic conditions, with sufficiently in-depth knowledge to make considered judgements and to contribute professionally to the orthopaedic care team

musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

systemic lupus erythematosus

avascular necrosis

compartment syndrome

thromboembolism

disseminated intravascular coagulation

congenital musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

traumatic musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

traumatic amputations

degenerative musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

osteitis deformans

surgical interventions for musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

internal and external fixtures for fractures, applications of surgical braces

removal of bunions

elective surgical procedures (joint replacement surgery)

surgical amputation

bone tumours, such as:

metastatic bone carcinoma

multiple myeloma

bone tuberculosis

specialised in-depth knowledge of orthopaedic equipment and devices used on the person including:

traction devices

community and in-hospital rehabilitation services available for the person with orthopaedic conditions

diagnostic tests associated with orthopaedics and their meanings including:

Computerised Tomography (CT) scans

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans

specialised medical and surgical nursing management of the person with orthopaedic condition including emergency management of complications

phases of recovery and how these impact nursing care for the person with orthopaedic condition

reflective practice and evidence-based practice in line with current literature and work of professional bodies associated with medical conditions.