Meet an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Orthopedic nurse practitioners play a crucial role in addressing musculoskeletal issues in patients. Let’s meet an orthopedic NP and explore their role, how to become one, and their job responsibilities. Throughout life, many people encounter orthopedic injuries, often resulting from work-related accidents, sports injuries, falls, or car accidents. It’s worth noting that there are over 3.5 million orthopedic sports injuries in children and teenagers annually. This is just one demographic that orthopedic nurse practitioners work with daily.
Based on data from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
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– The average age of a U.S. orthopedic surgeon is 56.5 years, with retirement approximately 10 years away.
– 90% of the workforce is male.
– The field has seen consistent growth since 2006.
– Sole private practice constitutes only 12% of the practice landscape.
Considering the growth of practices and the aging surgeon population, there’s an expanding and unique role for orthopedic nurse practitioners to fulfill. In this context, we’ll learn about the experience of an orthopedic nurse practitioner, delve into the pathway to becoming one, explore their responsibilities, and examine their earnings.
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Q&A with an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner:
Why did you choose nursing as a career?
I grew up in a family of doctors and had a strong interest in health and wellness. I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to help others in a meaningful way. When I fell ill and was cared for by a nurse practitioner, I realized that nursing was the right path for me.
Why did you decide to specialize in orthopedic nursing?
I had the opportunity to work part-time with a local sports medicine group and found myself deeply drawn to the specialty. Working with high school and college athletes, and gaining insights into the rehabilitation process, fascinated me.
I was intrigued by the surgical aspects and the procedures involved. Witnessing how our surgeon’s expertise could positively impact patients’ lives, regardless of their age, was incredibly rewarding.
I consider this work transformative, often involving patients who are already relatively healthy. I also spent several years working with an orthopedic oncologist, caring for patients with musculoskeletal tumors and participating in their complex care.
How has your background in counseling psychology contributed to your role as a nurse?
A significant part of our work involves connecting with patients on an emotional level, helping them feel seen and heard, and reducing their anxiety. My dual skill set has proven beneficial and enables me to provide holistic care.
As a mentor, what key advice do you offer your mentees?
I start by listening. Regardless of the nursing field, caring for patients with illnesses or injuries comes with inherent stress. I encourage them to communicate effectively with their teams, express their needs, and continue learning.
Nursing demands ongoing learning due to the fast pace of change. I also emphasize the importance of self-care for all healthcare professionals. Lastly, I support their career advancement and pursuit of further education if that aligns with their goals.
What are the main challenges in your role as an orthopedic nurse?
Being in a surgical specialty means that days don’t always go as planned. Multitasking and maintaining flexibility are essential, along with collaborating with various providers and effectively managing time to ensure comprehensive care for all patients.
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What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
The relationships we build with our patients. Witnessing a patient transition from using a wheelchair and experiencing limited mobility to walking into our clinic unassisted is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that I played a small part in their healing journey is truly gratifying.
What advice would you give to those considering a career as an orthopedic nurse?
Connect with other nurses in the field. Shadow an orthopedic or sports medicine nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Ask questions and don’t hesitate to make a career change if it aligns with your aspirations.
What Does an Orthopedic NP Do?
Orthopedic nurse practitioners serve a patient population grappling with various musculoskeletal challenges, including orthopedic injuries, arthritis, fibromyalgia, sprains, and joint dislocations. They must be skilled in ordering and interpreting the correct imaging studies, as well as applying splints and casts, prescribing medications, administering joint injections, and monitoring patients through surgery and rehabilitation.
Collaboration with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, nutritionists, and orthopedic nurses is often necessary. Orthopedic NPs closely engage with patients who have experienced life-altering injuries or lifelong chronic conditions.
Compassion, empathy, and proficient care delivery are essential, as these healthcare professionals provide support and comfort. Previous experience in orthopedic bedside nursing can facilitate a smooth transition into the role of an orthopedic NP.
Key skills and responsibilities for an orthopedic nurse practitioner encompass:
– Surgical proficiency
– Examination, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation
– Continuous nursing education
– Assessment and intervention in urgent scenarios
– Wound care
– Pain management
– Outpatient care
– Independent practice and collaboration with physicians
– Support for patients and families
– Inclusivity
– Cultural competence in nursing
Becoming an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner:
Orthopedic NPs typically start as registered nurses (RNs). After completing an accredited nursing program, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to obtain an RN license, which is required in all states.
While many aspiring orthopedic NPs begin with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, there are bridge programs for those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to directly pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). These programs are known as RN-to-MSN programs.
Nurses with a BSN can also directly pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Although a DNP is not mandatory for practicing as an orth opedic NP, it can be advantageous for those interested in teaching within a nursing program.
On average, a full-time BSN program takes four years to complete. Some nurses may choose to complete an ADN program in 2-3 years and subsequently finish their BSN while working.
Following the completion of an MSN or a DNP program in adult, geriatric, or pediatric care, nurse practitioners must be certified and licensed by the state to practice. Certification options include family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, or pediatric nurse practitioner.
To become certified by the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board, the following criteria are typically required:
– At least three years of experience as an RN or advanced practice nurse
– A current, unencumbered RN license
– A master’s degree or higher, with preparation to practice as an NP
– A minimum of 2,000 hours of work as an advanced practice nurse within the last three years
– A role focused on treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions
– Completion of an orthopedic fellowship or residency program
Orthopedic NP Earnings:
As of April 2022, the average annual salary for an orthopedic nurse practitioner is $100,040, according to Payscale. This figure represents the base salary and does not account for bonuses and benefits.
The benefits package offered by your employer can include a significant portion of your overall compensation. Therefore, when evaluating your salary, it’s crucial to consider these benefits, which may include retirement plans, annual bonuses, health insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, life insurance, malpractice insurance, licensure reimbursement, signing bonuses, and professional organization memberships.
Orthopedic nurse practitioners can find employment in a variety of settings where patients receive injury treatment, such as emergency rooms, orthopedic departments, orthopedic physicians’ offices, specialty outpatient clinics, and urgent care facilities. With years of experience, they may also work with medical device companies, insurance providers, or the federal government. The specifics of an orthopedic NP’s salary are influenced by factors including geographical location, experience, educational qualifications, and certifications.
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