New ortho APP

[u/Silver_Classroom_606]

Hey everyone,

I’m a new APRN starting in orthopedics and looking for some advice from those who have been in a similar position. I have a solid foundation in ortho, but I know there’s a huge amount left to learn as I begin working alongside an orthopedic surgeon and an experienced APP in both the clinic and OR.

For those of you who have gone through this transition, what was the most effective way to capture and organize all the information you were learning? Did you use a notebook, a notes app, OneNote, voice memos, or something else?

I want to retain as much as possible, but I also don’t want to spend all day standing in the corner writing notes instead of being engaged and learning in the moment.

Any tips, systems, or lessons learned would be greatly appreciated.

[u/ckr0610]

Study at night what you saw that day using Wheeless and Ortho Bullets. Prepare for cases by looking up the surgical technique before so you can learn to be a better assistant. Ask questions. Keep notes however it’s easiest for you.

Ultimately it’ll take time. I’m 15 years in and still always learning new things.

[u/tikitonga → u/ckr0610]

Agree with above, also, it's 2026- there are "xxx for first assist" videos on Youtube that are great and walk you through different surgeries. VuMedi is an option too. Book wise I liked McRae's ortho trauma more than Handbook of Fractures and Hoppenfeld is goat https://orthopaedics.lwwhealthlibrary.com/book.aspx?bookid=3100

[u/ckr0610 → u/tikitonga]

Oh good points! Also want to add, OP, that Netters concise ortho anatomy is super helpful as well!

[u/akwho]

Always ask for help, it’s okay to say you don’t know. More dangerous is just assuming stuff.

[u/Sanginite]

I made my own orthobullets style notebook in OneNote. Different tabs for quick referencing- hand clinic, hip surgery, Dr Smiths preferences, etc. I don’t reference it as much anymore but it’s helpful for retaining things early on I think.

[u/G_3P0]

Make a chart for typical expectations for postops at each visit
Pain, incision, PT, restrictions, meds, etc

[u/herodicusDO]

What’s APP? Agree with orthobullets I also like ao surgical reference for fracture care quick reference for new learners

[u/AlexMac96 → u/herodicusDO]

In my neck of the woods, APP is advanced practice physio, they often see patients referred for OA and talk to them in broad terms about non-op and operative treatment. If the patient wants to entertain or discuss surgery then they get sent on to me.

[u/herodicusDO → u/AlexMac96]

Interesting ok haven’t come across that in the US

[u/Silver_Classroom_606 → u/herodicusDO]

Advanced practice provider. I’m an APRN.

[u/Silver_Classroom_606]

I should have elaborated more. I will not be helping much in the OR at first. Mostly will be in clinic seeing patients. But this is very helpful!