A musculoskeletal nurse is a health care professional who specializes in treating patients with musculoskeletal issues. He or she keeps track of patients’ health, ensures their comfort, administers basic treatments, and helps doctors make diagnoses. Many orthopedic nurses also assist surgeons during difficult procedures. A skilled orthopedic nurse could work in a general hospital, specialty clinic, private practice, or nursing home facility, among other places.
Patients with chronic and acute musculoskeletal conditions rely on orthopedic nurses and doctors to assist them in their recovery. Nurses are educated and trained in a variety of disorders, including arthritis, osteoporosis, bone fractures, and congenital deformities. They are aware of the distressing symptoms that can accompany such issues and strive to make patients as comfortable as possible.
Orthopedic nursing is divided into several sub-specialties. Some hospital and clinic employees are in charge of evaluating new patients and assisting doctors. They greet patients, take vital signs, keep track of symptoms, and set up examination rooms. An orthopedic nurse communicates with doctors and assists them in making accurate diagnoses. For acute injuries, he or she may apply casts or slings, and for chronic problems, he or she may explain prescriptions and exercise routines. A nurse may choose to work exclusively with children, the elderly, or people who are afflicted with a specific illness, such as cancer.
During operations, a skilled orthopedic nurse may be able to assist surgeons. During procedures, the nurse keeps track of the patients’ vital signs and ensures that the surgeon has all of the necessary equipment. He or she continues to monitor patients after surgery to ensure that they do not develop infections or other complications.
To earn registered nursing credentials, a person who wants to become an orthopedic nurse must usually complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program and pass a written exam. To gain practical experience and qualify for an additional certification exam, he or she receives hands-on training at a hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic. In the United States, an individual can earn his or her orthopedic nurse credentials taking a test administered the Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board (ONCB®). Most other countries have organizations that provide specialized certification similar to the ONCB®.
Many orthopedic nurses choose to pursue master’s degrees in order to advance their credentials and career opportunities. A professional with a nurse practitioner degree can work as a supervisor in a health-care setting, supervising the work of other nurses and assisting with difficult cases. A nurse practitioner can also conduct research on various conditions and assist in the development of new hospital policies regarding treatment and care procedures.