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Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
- Updated February 19, 2023
- by EveryNurse Staff
An orthopedic nurse practitioner is a nursing professional who cares for patients suffering from disorders, diseases, and musculoskeletal system injuries. As an orthopedic nurse practitioner, you will need to have a deep understanding of both the muscular and skeletal systems and how they work together in concert as part of the musculoskeletal system.
What Is an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner?
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, consisting primarily of muscles and bones. Disorders, diseases, and injuries to this vital system can be painful and devastating. Many of the problems that affect this system also impact a person’s mobility or the ability to move and get around.
Medical professionals that specialize in this field, including orthopedic nurses, care for patients that are experiencing musculoskeletal problems.
The musculoskeletal system consists of the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in our bodies. Our bones are responsible for our bodies’ structure and support and produce blood cells and store nutrients. Striated muscles comprise fibrous tissue that expands and contracts, which pulls on our bones, producing movement. Tendons are tough strips of tissue that hold our muscles to our bones, and ligaments are the tough strips of tissue that hold bones to other bones.
Problems with the musculoskeletal system can include genetic abnormalities and deformations, diseases, and injuries. Some common musculoskeletal problems that orthopedic nurses may see daily may include arthritis, fractures, sprains, muscular dystrophy, temporomandibular joint disorder, and fibromyalgia.
The work of orthopedic nurses and other orthopedic professionals is significant. The problems that affect the musculoskeletal system more often than not affect movement and mobility. Orthopedic professionals help patients deal with their medical problems and possibly regain normal mobility and range of motion.
Orthopedic nurses typically work with patients of all ages. However, these nursing professionals can also choose to specialize in certain types of patients. Pediatric orthopedic nurses, for instance, work alongside pediatric nurses to provide children with the appropriate care.
What Does an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Do?
Orthopedic nurses help assess, diagnose, and treat patients suffering from various musculoskeletal problems.
Assessing and diagnosing musculoskeletal problems in patients often starts with a thorough physical examination. Orthopedic nurses may also be required to examine a patient’s medical history and take x-rays.
Treatment for musculoskeletal problems will typically depend on the diagnosis. For instance, a bone fracture often needs to be immobilized for several weeks. Orthopedic nurses will often be responsible for setting and casting fractures and breaks.
On the other hand, some musculoskeletal problems may require medication, such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories, or even surgery. Orthopedic nurses will often help administer medication and educate patients on how to take their medications properly. They may also be called upon to assist during surgery as well as administer post-operative care.
Other treatment options for musculoskeletal problems often include physical therapy and exercise. Orthopedic nurses may help patients regain some of their mobility and work to expand their range of motion. Because musculoskeletal problems are often so painful, orthopedic nurses will also often find themselves helping patients manage their pain without medications.
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Where Do Orthopedic Nurses Work?
Orthopedic nurses often work in private physicians’ offices, hospitals, and clinics. As an orthopedic nurse, however, you may also be able to find employment in-home care agencies and assisted living facilities, as well as rehabilitation and physical therapy centers.
Additional Resources for Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners
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