To ensure high-quality patient care, I would focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that nurses, doctors, and support staff work seamlessly together. Implementing evidence-based practices and continuous staff education on the latest orthopedic and medical-surgical advancements would be key. Regular audits and feedback mechanisms would help identify areas for improvement, while fostering a culture of open communication and patient-centered care would ensure that each patient's unique needs are met with compassion and expertise.

In a high-pressure environment, I address conflicts by first understanding the root cause through active listening and empathy. I facilitate a constructive dialogue between the parties involved, focusing on the issue rather than personal differences. Encouraging a team-oriented mindset and reminding staff of our common goal—patient care—helps in resolving conflicts. If necessary, I would involve HR or higher management, but my preference is to resolve issues at the unit level to maintain a positive work environment and ensure continuity in patient care.

My experience with orthopedic patient care spans assessing post-operative patients, managing pain, and coordinating rehabilitation services. I've developed protocols for preventing complications like DVT and infections, which are critical in orthopedics. This hands-on experience, coupled with my leadership roles, has honed my ability to oversee a Med/Surg, Ortho unit effectively. I understand the nuances of orthopedic nursing, from pre-op education to post-op care, ensuring patients achieve optimal recovery. This background equips me to lead a team in delivering specialized care while managing the unit's operational aspects.

My approach involves meticulous planning and monitoring of the unit's budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently without compromising patient care. I prioritize spending on essential supplies and staff training, leveraging bulk purchasing and vendor negotiations to reduce costs. Regularly reviewing staffing patterns and patient acuity helps optimize labor costs. I also encourage innovative ideas from staff to improve resource utilization. Transparency in financial matters and involving the team in budget-related decisions fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining high care standards.

I stay updated by subscribing to leading nursing and orthopedic journals, attending professional conferences, and participating in workshops and webinars. Being an active member of professional organizations like the Orthopaedic Nurses Association provides access to a network of experts and the latest research. I also encourage and facilitate continuous education for my team, organizing in-service training on new protocols and technologies. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures that our unit remains at the forefront of evidence-based practice, enhancing patient outcomes and staff competency.