How to Become an Orthopedic Nurse

Who is an Orthopedic Nurse?

An orthopedic nurse is a registered nurse specializing in the care of patients with musculoskeletal issues, such as fractures, joint replacements, and osteoporosis. According to the National Institutes of Health, bone fractures occur at a rate of 2.4 per 100 people annually in the U.S., with men being more frequently affected. Orthopedic nurses can choose to work with specific age groups or a diverse patient population.

Key attributes of a proficient orthopedic nurse include empathy, collaboration, observation, and strong communication skills. Orthopedic nurses assist patients with musculoskeletal pain, focusing on pain management. They assess new patients, review symptoms, and collaborate with healthcare teams to create treatment plans. They also follow up with existing patients, apply casts, and dress wounds.

Typical responsibilities include aiding orthopedic physicians, educating patients on recovery, managing pain medication schedules, enhancing patient mobility, and monitoring vital signs during procedures. A typical day for an orthopedic nurse can involve working in clinics, hospitals, private practices, assisted living centers, home health agencies, or outpatient rehab facilities. Adaptability is crucial due to the dynamic nature of the work, which ranges from addressing fractures to assisting in surgeries.

Common Conditions Treated by Orthopedic Nurses

Orthopedic nurses treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including broken bones, osteoarthritis, and ligament injuries. Specializations within orthopedic nursing may include:

• General Orthopedics: Treating fractures, arthritis, and other common conditions
• Orthopedic Oncology: Focused on musculoskeletal cancers
• Pediatric Orthopedics: Specializing in treating children with musculoskeletal disorders

Orthopedic nurses can also work in related fields, such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or paramedic roles, where they assist in the emergency treatment of fractures and other injuries.

Where Do Orthopedic Nurses Work?

Orthopedic nurses are employed in a variety of settings, such as:

• Hospitals: Including major medical centers like Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Clinic, which have comprehensive orthopedic departments.
• Outpatient Clinics: These clinics often offer specialized care for musculoskeletal issues.
• Surgical Centers: Where orthopedic surgeries are performed.
• Private Practices: Many orthopedic specialists operate their own practices, offering nurses the chance to work closely with physicians.

Orthopedic nurses may also work in rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or home healthcare settings, depending on their interests.

How to Become an Orthopedic Nurse

To become an orthopedic nurse, follow these three steps:

1. Obtain RN Licensure
   First, become a registered nurse (RN) by earning either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both degrees prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which is required for licensure.
2. Gain Experience in Orthopedic Settings
   After becoming an RN, gain experience in settings that treat orthopedic patients. This could include emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, or trauma units. Experience in trauma care or orthopedics will be especially beneficial.
3. Obtain Orthopedic Nursing Certification
   Many orthopedic nurses pursue certification to advance their careers. The Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) offers the Orthopaedic Nurse Certified (ONC®) credential, which requires at least 1,000 hours of orthopedic nursing experience and an unencumbered RN license. The certification exam consists of 150 questions, and candidates must answer at least 97 correctly to pass.

Salary and Job Outlook for Orthopedic Nurses

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. For orthopedic nurses, salaries vary depending on the location and experience. On average, orthopedic nurses earn $96,259 per year, with higher salaries in states such as Washington and New York.

Career prospects for orthopedic nurses are positive, and there are opportunities for advancement. Some orthopedic nurses may choose to become orthopedic nurse practitioners (ONPs), allowing them to assist in surgeries, evaluate patients, and prescribe treatments.

FAQs

• What does an orthopedic nurse do?
  An orthopedic nurse cares for patients with musculoskeletal issues like fractures, joint replacements, and arthritis. They assist with pain management, educate patients about recovery, and help patients regain mobility.
• What qualifications are required?
  Orthopedic nurses must first obtain RN licensure, gain experience in orthopedic settings, and pursue certification from the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB).
• Where can orthopedic nurses work?
  Orthopedic nurses work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgery centers, private practices, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies.

If you are interested in starting or advancing your career as an orthopedic nurse, explore job opportunities today at GoodWork.