Registered Nurse Orthopedic Spine Medical jobs in Skokie, IL

Your patient is the first day after a lumbar fusion. What do you look for in your neuro and circulation checks?

What they are checking: Whether they can catch new weakness, numbness or bleeding early, which can mean a surgical emergency after spine surgery.

How do you manage pain for a spine surgery patient who is also at risk of breathing problems from opioids?

What they are checking: Whether they balance comfort with sedation and respiratory checks instead of focusing only on the pain score.

Walk me through how you get a post-op spine patient out of bed for the first time.

What they are checking: Whether they know logrolling, brace rules and fall prevention so the patient moves safely without harming the repair.

This unit is also telemetry. What would you do if your ortho patient's heart rhythm suddenly changes on the monitor?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle cardiac problems on a mixed unit and not just the orthopedic side.

As per diem resource staff, you may be called in as needed. How do you get up to speed when you have not been on the unit for a few weeks?

What they are checking: Whether they keep current on unit changes and take responsibility for their own readiness.

How do you direct a PCT or CNA during a busy day shift, and how do you follow up on what you delegated?

What they are checking: Whether they guide unlicensed staff clearly and check the work, since the RN remains accountable.

What signs of a blood clot or pulmonary embolism do you watch for in orthopedic patients?

What they are checking: Whether they know the risk of clots after bone surgery and act fast when symptoms appear.

A patient refuses to get up and walk because they are afraid of the pain. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach and motivate a patient while explaining why early movement prevents complications.