This year, Orthopaedic Nurses Week

is from October 28 to November 1. It’s an excellent opportunity to recognize the effort and dedication of orthopaedic nurses at the start of the holiday season.

Orthopaedic nurses, or “ortho” nurses, specialize in treating patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Since we all need to have healthy muscles and bones to live a functioning life, ortho nurses are crucial to helping patients recover from surgery, learn how to heal from a broken bone or deal with chronic conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis, among others.

These nurses deserve celebration for their hard work. Learn more about the unique types of orthopaedic nursing and the impact the field has on patients’ recovery.

Orthopaedic Care is Diverse, with Different Specialties

Because musculoskeletal health is so multifaceted, orthopaedic nurses can be found in many environments with unique specialties. These nurses can be found in surgery units, helping patients prep for or recover from orthopaedic surgery, or at outpatient clinics, where they assist patients with follow-up care after an injury and educate them on how to heal properly.

A nurse’s subspeciality can determine where they work in orthopaedics. However, ortho nurses are skilled in several areas, so they can move to different fields that are a fit for them.

Below are some typical specialties that ortho nurses can work in:

Pediatrics: These nurses work in pediatric orthopedic units, treating children with congenital musculoskeletal anomalies such as scoliosis.
Sports medicine: Although sports may not come to mind when you think of nursing, ortho nurses can work in sports medicine with athletes and other sports rehabilitation professionals.
Orthopedic surgery: Orthopedic nurses can be skilled in patient care during trauma, spinal fusion, or total joint replacement surgeries in the OR.
Clinical nurse specialists: These nurses educate patients on how to manage life with an orthopedic condition, including what coping skills are best and how to prevent pain in the future.

Other specializations include podiatry (foot and ankle orthopedics) and bone health. This isn’t an exhaustive list, so to learn more about the opportunities associated with ortho nursing, visit the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses.

Demand is Growing for Orthopaedic Nurses

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of registered nurses in the workplace is expected to grow six percent from 2023 to 2033 due to factors such as the need to replace older, retiring workers or those who leave for another industry. The increase in healthcare workers includes ortho nurses, who are in high demand due to the aging population and the increase in orthopaedic surgeries required for an older generation.

Ortho nurses can also expect a bright salary outlook. A nurse with orthopaedic skills can make up to $71,000 a year, and income can increase to $82,000 with additional skills that can be used in the OR. Aspects like travel nursing, location, and years of experience can also affect pay.

Get to Witness Full Recoveries

One aspect of orthopaedic nursing that sets it apart from other types of nursing is that it allows nurses to work with all types of patients, from toddlers to patients in their 90s.

Nurses in long-term recovery facilities can witness a patient’s recovery journey through encouragement, compassion, and support in healing. Orthopaedic patients are often younger and healthier than the typical patient, so they’re able to recover faster with fewer comorbidities.

Even for postoperative nurses who stay with patients for a couple of days, becoming a part of a patient’s recovery is rewarding and validating after time and effort spent helping a patient regain their vitality again.

Takeaway

Nursing is as diverse as the patients who come for care, and orthopaedic nursing is a testament to that. Orthopaedic nurses deserve recognition for their role in the success of surgeries and the recovery of patients worldwide.

If you know of an ortho nurse who deserves gratitude, consider writing them a thank you note or sending them an e-card showing appreciation.

The post Shining a Spotlight on Orthopaedic Nurses: Celebrating Our Unsung Heroes of Healing! first appeared on Daily Nurse.