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What Does an Orthopaedic Nurse Do?

Many orthopaedic nurses work in hospitals in emergency rooms and orthopaedic units, but they can be employed by private clinics, rehabilitation centers, oncology units, and universities as well. Their job is to educate patients and assist orthopaedic surgeons in whatever musculoskeletal capacity is needed, whether through surgical procedures, rehabilitation training, or home care. Bones take a while to heal, and orthopaedic nurses are responsible for follow-up care and assisting patients through the healing process.

Education & Training Required to Become an Orthopaedic Nurse

Most orthopaedic nurses are RNs, holding a bachelor's, associate's, or diploma from an accredited degree program in orthopaedic nursing. While bachelor's programs take four years and are more expensive, they can lead to better job placement than associate's degrees or diploma programs. Some nursing students start in an online degree program, applying for internships to get practical experience.

You can also pursue certification in orthopaedic nursing after you have completed two years of practice as an RN and have a minimum number of hours in orthopaedics.

Typical Characteristics of an Orthopaedic Nurse

Because of the diverse nature of orthopaedics, nurses must possess an array of skills, from setting bones to treating osteoporosis and bone cancers. Some orthopaedic nurses make home visits or move between hospitals and clinics, so they must be able to work in a variety of conditions. Though not often intensively high-pressure, orthopaedics is a serious field requiring dedication and hard work--particularly through follow-up visits.

High Demand for Orthopaedic Nurses

Orthopaedic nurses face steady employment options. The field is not growing as fast as some, particularly where there is a lot of research money, but as the U.S. population ages, orthopaedic nurses should face increasing job prospects.

As with any nursing field, there is room for expansion to higher pay and administrative or education positions. The median annual wage is over $62,000, which varies based on education level and experience, and overall, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, orthopaedic nurses can expect a gradual increase in job opportunities.