Orthopaedic/Trauma


Program Description:


The Orthopaedic/ Trauma unit within the Surgical Clinical Business Unit provides care for adult elective spinal and non-elective lower limb orthopaedic and poly-traumatic/ multi-system injury (not requiring ventilation or inotropic support). Total patient care is provided in a medium to high acuity environment. Victoria Hospital is a provincially designated level one-trauma center for South Western Ontario catchment area. Research, out-reach education, injury prevention is also supported within the program

General Information:


Number of beds:

  • 36 general floor beds
  • 4 Trauma Observation Unit (TOU) beds

Team Composition:

RN, CNS/NP, PT, OT, Soc. Work, Case Manager, Educator, Nutrition, SLP, RRT, Residents, Consultants, Unit Clerks, PSA, TSA, Chaplain, Data analyst, Secretary, Staffing, Epidemiologist, Leadership.


Average length of stay: Dependent on patient acuity, it can range from days to weeks


Nurse to patient ratio:

  • Days: 4:1, Nights: 5:1
  • TOU 2:1


Hospital Site:
Victoria Hospital: Level 4, (TOU) beds located in bay 6 of CCTC


Scheduling Information:

  • 12hr and 8 hour shifts
  • Master rotation or self-scheduling option


Background Essentials:

  • No minimum experience required
  • New Grads welcome
  • Orthopaedic experience an asset


Professional Assets:


  • BCLS,
  • Phlebotomy/Venipuncture,
  • Basic ECG,
  • TNCC Trauma Course,


Professional Development:

  • On staff clinical educator
  • 6 week orientation customized orientation program
  • Regular in services
  • Funding for in and off-site seminars, unit specific courses
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate school


Student Consolidation:

  • Year 2,3,4 and Consolidation experiences are available.
  • Consolidation places the Student with a specific preceptor chosen for their skill in advancing skill development in an inclusive, safe and rewarding manner.
  • Experiences are eclectic in nature, challenging multi-system assessment, communication, time management and nursing skills development
  • Consolidation work done here provides an excellent knowledge foundation for careers in most surgical and medical services.


Program Links:


· Surgical Care website is accessible internally
· Orthopaedic Journals