Orthopedic nursing focuses on caring for patients with musculoskeletal disorders — from sports injuries such as broken bones to chronic conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
As the number of older people grows in the U.S., so does the demand for skilled orthopedic nurses with the expertise to provide specialized care to patients with bone and joint issues. Orthopedic nurses play a critical role in our healthcare system, and enrolling in a relevant nursing degree program can prepare individuals to join this vital and rewarding field.
Orthopedic Nurse Job Description
Orthopedic nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who focus on the care and treatment of patients with muscular and skeletal system disorders. They assist patients who have experienced fractures, have undergone orthopedic surgery, or are managing long-term musculoskeletal conditions.
Key duties of an orthopedic nurse include the following:
- Patient assessment. Orthopedic nurses evaluate their patients’ musculoskeletal issues, mobility abilities, and pain levels to create informed treatment plans.
- Postoperative care. After surgeries, such as for fracture repairs or joint replacements, orthopedic nurses provide continued postoperative care. This can include monitoring patients for signs of infection and providing wound care.
- Rehabilitation support. Orthopedic nurses may work closely with physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries. This might include teaching patients mobility exercises or providing recovery support.
- Pain management. Critically, orthopedic nurses help manage patients’ pain by administering medication and offering nonpharmacological pain relief therapeutics such as heat and cold therapy.
An orthopedic nurse’s job description may include more than these four responsibilities. The role can vary, with two nurses who specialize in orthopedic nursing completing very different daily tasks.
Where Do Orthopedic Nurses Work?
Orthopedic nurses work wherever patients are treated for musculoskeletal issues. The responsibilities of an orthopedic nurse may differ based on their workplace. For instance, an orthopedic nurse working in a hospital surgery unit may regularly administer IV pain medication, while a nurse working in a pediatric orthopedic outpatient clinic may focus on teaching patients how to use crutches or other assistive mobility devices.
Hospital Orthopedic Units, Surgery, and Recovery
Many successful orthopedic nurses find fulfilling careers as key team members in hospital orthopedic units.
Patients who undergo surgeries for issues related to their bones, joints, ligaments, or muscles — such as joint replacements, arthroscopic surgeries (surgeries to visualize a joint), or spine fusions — are often cared for by orthopedic nurses during their hospital stay. In a hospital orthopedic unit, an orthopedic nurse may be in charge of administering pain medication to all patients who are undergoing or recovering from surgery. When a patient is cleared to leave the hospital after surgery, orthopedic nurses are responsible for educating the patient so that they can recover more fully at a rehabilitation center, at an outpatient clinic, or at home.
Rehabilitation Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Sports Medicine Facilities
Orthopedic nurses also work in rehabilitation centers, assisting patients who are recovering from orthopedic surgeries or injuries, and supporting their rehabilitation process in coordination with physical therapists and other members of their care team.
When visiting an orthopedic clinic for any musculoskeletal issue, patients might be seen by orthopedic nurses for initial assessments, follow-up care, or assistance with treatments and therapies.
Additionally, athletes or other individuals involved in sports who sustain injuries may receive care from orthopedic nurses in sports medicine facilities, which focus on sports-related musculoskeletal injuries and recovery.
At-Home Care, Telehealth, and Education
Individuals with long-term conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, or chronic back pain may have orthopedic nurses as part of their healthcare team, assisting them in managing their treatment and pain relief.
Orthopedic nurses also sometimes lead educational sessions for patients and families, particularly for those needing to manage chronic conditions or handle their postoperative care at home. The information these nurses provide can be crucial to patients who are managing chronic pain and to their loved ones.
How to Become an Orthopedic Nurse
The career pathway for an orthopedic nurse involves several steps. First, an individual must become a registered nurse (RN). To become an RN, individuals must earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pass the NCLEX-RN, and meet any other state-specific requirements to obtain state licensure. After becoming a licensed RN, the pathway to orthopedic nursing opens.
While not always required, earning an orthopedic nursing certification can improve an RN’s job prospects. The National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses offers resources for nursing students and current RNs interested in pursuing the orthopedic nurse certified (ONC) credential, which requires practicing orthopedic nursing under supervision and passing an orthopedic certification exam.
Orthopedic Nurse Job Outlook
Given the aging U.S. population and the growing need for healthcare professionals, it is likely that orthopedic nurses will be in demand for a long time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses (which includes orthopedic nurses) is projected to grow 6% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than the average growth rate projected for all professions.
Support Health as an Orthopedic Nurse
Choosing to specialize in orthopedic nursing is a wise career decision for those aspiring to enter the nursing field. The skills that orthopedic nurses acquire allow them to enhance the well-being of patients experiencing broken bones, painful joints, and chronic musculoskeletal illnesses.
Denver College of Nursing offers Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and online Master of Science in Nursing programs to help aspiring nurses achieve their career goals. Launch your journey toward nursing excellence today.
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