2026 NAON Orange County Orthopedic Nursing Symposium

Representatives from Little People of America will discuss orthopedic complications commonly encountered by individuals with dwarfism, as well as challenges they may experience as patients within healthcare systems. This session will explore orthopedic conditions associated with dwarfism, their impact on mobility, function, and quality of life, as well as healthcare barriers that can affect patient experiences and outcomes. Participants will gain valuable insights into patient perspectives and learn strategies to deliver compassionate, respectful, and patient-centered orthopedic care. Emphasis will be placed on improving communication, recognizing healthcare considerations specific to individuals with dwarfism, and fostering positive healthcare experiences that support optimal orthopedic and overall health outcomes.

This presentation, led by a medical oncologist, will provide an overview of osteoporosis management in patients with cancer, with a focus on preserving bone health in individuals whose risk for osteoporosis may be increased by cancer and cancer-related therapies. Participants will explore osteoporosis risk factors, screening and risk assessment strategies, fracture prevention measures, and current evidence-based treatment recommendations. The session will review both lifestyle and pharmacologic approaches to osteoporosis management, including medication mechanisms of action, potential adverse effects, and monitoring considerations. Additional discussion will address the assessment of treatment response and the management of bone metastases. Emphasis will be placed on the nursing role in patient education, risk reduction, early identification of complications, and interdisciplinary care to optimize bone health and patient outcomes throughout the cancer continuum.

Physical and Occupational Therapy experts will share their expertise on the selection, fitting, application, and clinical uses of orthopedic braces and orthoses. Participants will explore the indications, selection, fitting, and application of orthopedic devices including lumbar sacral orthoses (LSOs), cervical collars, knee hinged braces, shoulder immobilizers, and other orthopedic supports. The session will emphasize evidence-based orthopedic care, patient safety considerations, complication prevention, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Attendees will gain practical strategies for orthopedic patient education, proper orthopedic brace use, and nursing interventions that promote adherence, optimize functional outcomes, and enhance recovery across the continuum of orthopedic care.

A panel of orthopedic nurse navigators will explore best practices, patient care coordination, multidisciplinary collaboration, and strategies that support orthopedic patients throughout their surgical journey and recovery.  Participants will examine evidence-based strategies that improve patient engagement, surgical readiness, recovery outcomes, and patient satisfaction through effective education and care coordination. Through expert discussion and real-world examples, attendees will learn best practices for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, addressing barriers to optimal outcomes, supporting diverse patient populations, and leveraging technology to enhance communication and care delivery. The session will also highlight the impact of nurse navigation programs on quality metrics, including length of stay, readmissions, and patient experience, while sharing innovative approaches and practical insights that can be applied to strengthen orthopedic navigation programs in a variety of healthcare settings.

Take an inside look at the daily operations of an Orthopedic Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) and explore the vital role of orthopedic nurses in delivering safe, efficient, and patient-centered outpatient surgical care. This session will provide an overview of ASC workflow, patient flow, and perioperative processes, from preoperative assessment and preparation through postoperative recovery and discharge. Participants will gain insight into the evolving role of orthopedic nursing within the outpatient surgical setting, including care coordination, patient advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and quality improvement initiatives. Attendees will also examine best practices for patient education, discharge planning, and care transitions following orthopedic procedures. From a multidisciplinary perspective, this session will highlight how orthopedic nurses contribute to positive patient experiences, operational efficiency, and optimal surgical outcomes in the ambulatory surgery environment.

Advanced practice nurses from various healthcare organizations will discuss Journavx® and its emerging role in orthopedic postoperative pain management, including its place within multimodal pain management strategies and opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Participants will examine current evidence regarding the use of Journavx, compare its role with traditional opioid and non-opioid pain management strategies, and discuss nursing considerations for patient assessment, medication monitoring, and patient education. The panel will also review ongoing clinical studies evaluating the safety, effectiveness, and future applications of Journavx in acute and postoperative pain management.

A Nurse Practitioner specializing in spine care, will provide an overview of common spinal deformities and complex spinal conditions. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges associated with diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical and non-surgical management, and long-term patient care. The session will also highlight key nursing considerations, patient education strategies, and case studies designed to improve patient outcomes across the continuum of care.