"Diagnoses and treats human responses to actual and potential health problems related to musculoskeletal function." Sound exciting, like something you might want to do? Well, let's talk about the role and value of the orthopaedic nurse, because it is exciting and we should all be proud that this is our role. We need to understand our role so we can explain our value to our patients, their families, and, unfortunately at times, to the physicians and administrators with whom we work every day.
NAON believes the role and value of the orthopaedic nurse is to treat and care for musculoskeletal disorders caused by disease, injury, or impairment and to facilitate in the prevention of such disorders through patient education and community outreach. The orthopaedic nurse provides specialized knowledge of musculoskeletal health and incorporates a holistic approach in delivering value in a variety of orthopaedic settings.
Professional development is a vital component in keeping the role of the orthopaedic nurse current, and it is valuable in advancing the quality of musculoskeletal healthcare. We promote excellence in research, education, and nursing practice. NAON believes educational programs that foster personal and professional growth will develop competence and excellence in nursing practice for the orthopaedic nurse. Orthopaedic nurses who take the extra step to become board certified in their specialty further document their commitment to quality care.
Is this something that you could talk to others about? Do you understand your role and value well enough to explain this? If not, maybe you should think about what you do and come up with talking points. You never know when this might come in handy. It would be nice to be able to tell your patients why you are so important to their care. It would be great to explain to your boss that what you do is so important to the care of his or her patient population. Also, you should be able to explain why you do what you do to the general public. Wouldn't it be great if each of us would take the time to explain to others we come in contact with not only why we went into nursing but also why we chose to practice orthopaedics in whatever venue we are in? This is how we are going to get our name out and how we are going to truly brand NAON and make sure that the public understands who we are and understands our importance.
We know that nurses join professional associations for information, education, networking, representation, advocacy, and research. In surveys that you have participated in, you have told us that you belong to NAON because of the journal, meetings and conferences, publications, continuing education opportunities, industry-related information, networking opportunities, and advocacy. Everyone interviewed during the survey heard about NAON through word of mouth from colleagues. With this fact in mind, we must be talking about NAON. If we aren't telling people about NAON, then who will? We must highlight NAON's core attributes and promote these attributes to our key audiences.
The name NAON must trigger an emotional response in others. This is the key to our future!! We want others to know who we are and have them want us to work with them in everything in which they are involved. This will never happen unless they understand our role and value in the care of the patients we deal with every day. The only way this is going to happen is if we, as NAON members, understand this and tell them about it.
Remember that nurses are considered the most valuable member of the healthcare team. We should make sure that we present ourselves in this positive light. It is the nurse who most influences a patient's perception of quality and service as care is delivered. If we allow it to, it is the role, along with the value, of the orthopaedic nurse that will help to lead us into the future. If we can communicate this information appropriately to others, then truly our possibilities are endless.