Trauma and Orthopaedic Nursing
Find information resources about Trauma and Orthopaedic Nursing including key resources, books, and journal articles. This guide is for RCN members including nursing students, nursing support workers, and registered nurses.
Key Resources
Royal College of Nursing (2026) Acute limb compartment syndrome observation chart. London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2022) Guidance on pin site care. London: RCN.
Royal College of Nursing (2026) Traction principles and application. RCN guidance. 3rd edn. London: RCN.
Clinical resources on RCN Learn
Books
Clarke S and Drozd M (2023) Orthopaedic and trauma nursing: an evidence-based approach to musculoskeletal care. Chichester: Wiley and Sons
Cunningham S and Moore T (2021) Nursing skills in supporting mobility. London: Routledge.
Greaves I, Porter K M and Garner J (2022) Trauma care manual. 3rd edn. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Hertz K and Santy-Tomlinson J (2024) Fragility fracture nursing: holistic care and management of the fragility fracture and the orthogeriatric patient. Switzerland: Springer.
Jester R, Santy-Tomlinson J and Rogers J (eds.) (2021) Oxford handbook of trauma and orthopaedic nursing. 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
MacKenzie C, Cornell C and Memtsoudis S (eds.) (2020) Perioperative care of the orthopedic patient. 2nd edition. New York: Springer.
McQuillan K A and Makic M B F (eds.) (2020) Trauma nursing: from resuscitation through rehabilitation. 5th edn. Missouri: Elsevier.
Oliver S M (2020) Oxford handbook of musculoskeletal nursing. 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Peate I (2025) The musculoskeletal system. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Price J, McAlinden O and Veal Zoë (2024) (eds.) Essentials of nursing children and young people. 2nd edn. London: Sage.-
Chapter 23 covers care of children and young people with musculoskeletal problems.
Access through RCN Library
Shortland A and Gough M (2022) Musculoskeletal system in children with cerebral palsy: a philosophical approach to management. London: Mac Keith Press.
Wallmann H W and Donatelli R (eds.) (2024) Foundations of orthopedic physical therapy. New York: Routledge.
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Andrew Temple-Mabe
Editor of this guide
RCN Library and Museum
Upcoming events relating to this subject guide
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28 Oct 2026
Online
Bone appétit: Digesting the evidence in trauma and orthopaedics nursing
This research webinar serves up the latest evidence shaping trauma and orthopaedic nursing practice today. From bedside innovations to quality improvement initiatives, we'll explore how current research is translating into better patient outcomes and stronger clinical decision-making. Designed for trauma and orthopaedic nurses, allied health professionals, and anyone with an appetite for evidence-based practice, this session offers practical insights you can apply straight away. Whether you're new to research or a seasoned clinician, join us for a bite-sized but substantial look at where trauma and orthopaedic nursing research is heading next.
Page last updated - 05/09/2026
