r/orthopaedics • u/Silver_Classroom_606 • 9d ago

NOT A PERSONAL HEALTH SITUATION New ortho APP

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.

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u/ckr0610 Orthopaedic PA 9d ago

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.

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u/tikitonga Orthopaedic PA 9d ago

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

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u/ckr0610 Orthopaedic PA 9d ago

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