Orthopedic Nurse: Career, Training, & Certification

Orthopedic Nurse

Orthopedic nurses perform a very specialized field of services. They focus on the correction and treatment of any injuries to the muscles, skeletal system, or ligaments. Job duties can include working with patients of all ages, helping those with disabilities or injuries pick out and work with prosthetics if necessary. Physical therapy also falls a bit under this job category, as the nurses will help patients with post-operative strength exercises and flexibility recovery. This is a job that will require advanced communication skills, because oftentimes orthopedic nurses are working with patients of all ages, who may have gone through some serious physical trauma and need counseling to get back up on their feet. The proper usage of orthopedic equipment must be explained, in order to ensure it is as helpful as possible in the rehabilitation of those who have undergone trauma or other degenerative diseases.
 
Salary Outlook
 
The salary of an orthopedic nurse will vary depending on the location of the job, their experience, and education level.
 
Average Annual Salary
$85,000
 
Salary Range
$54,000-$112,500
 
Work Environment
 
There are a number of environments that orthopedic nurses may find themselves in. They could be in the trauma department at a hospital, or in the pediatrics unit. The operating room, gerontology, or other units within a clinic or hospital setting are all also fair game. Many times they help with sports medicine or patient education within an academic setting or as a consultant for a private practice.
 
Requirements
 
In addition to the minimum requirements of obtaining a license as a registered nurse, which can be completed either with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a diploma followed by the proper exams, there are additional requirements for orthopedic nurses. They will need to obtain their ONC, or Orthopedic Nurse Certification. The exact rules and regulations vary in between states, but in most cases, a combination of the RN and ONC are necessary, as well as about two years of regular nursing experience before landing a position.
 
Career Outlook
 
The array of prosthetics available in orthopedic treatments is constantly innovating as technology marches on. As such, there is always a demand for qualified orthopedic nurses who have been trained in the latest technologies, and will be able to pass this knowledge on to their patients. Growth in the health care industry is primed to continue rising throughout the next decade at a very high rate, and this particular field is no exception, as people grow older and may experience muscular degeneration.
 
Professional Organizations
 
National Association of Orthopedic Nurses
401 N. Michigan Ave.
Suite 2200
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (800) 289-6266
www.orthonurse.org
 
Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
East Holly Avenue
Box 56
Pitman, NJ 08071
Phone: (866) 877-2676
www.msncb.org