What does an orthopaedic nurse do?
Orthopaedic nurses care for patients before and after their surgery. They are essential for the recovery of the patient. They treat symptoms that are linked to the surgery the patient went through. Examples of the issues they deal with are fluid challenges, heart medication, low oxygen levels and blood transfusions. They also pay particular attention to post-surgery complications. Additionally, orthopaedic nurses assist patients with pain management. They ensure that the right specialists are involved in the patient’s care. Depending on the type of surgery, the day-to-day work of an orthopaedic nurse can vary significantly.
Orthopaedic nurse skills and qualifications
Orthopaedic nurses are specialised nurses. As such, they need to be qualified nurses. They then learn to deal with chronic pain and mobility challenges. Empathy is a must-have quality in the role. However, there are many more qualities required. Some examples of these are as follows:
- being a qualified nurse
- having sufficient experience in the orthopaedic field
- being an excellent communicator with all stakeholders involved, including the patient, their family and the hospital or care team working with them
- being a good observer to be able to identify any early signs of complications
- having empathy and knowing how to listen
Orthopaedic nurse experience requirements
Experience is critical in this role. Before specialising as an orthopaedic nurse, nurses should have a minimum of two years’ experience as a nurse practitioner. The length of nursing and the different activities and types of care experienced will bring value to candidates wanting to specialise as an orthopaedic nurse. When in the role, gaining experience with different types of patient, treatment and hospital or organisation will also add value to the CV of an orthopaedic nurse.
Orthopaedic nurse education and training requirements
The first step towards becoming an orthopaedic nurse is to gain a nursing degree. To do so, candidates will need to gain a degree in adult nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The entry requirements for this are 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A to C) or equivalent, including English, maths and science, or 2 or 3 A-levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing. They can then specialise as orthopaedic nurses, either by gaining experience in this area or by studying a specialist course. Orthopaedic nurses can work as registered nurses or as licensed practical nurses.
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Orthopaedic nurse job description FAQs
What is a typical day like for an orthopaedic nurse?
No two days are alike for orthopaedic nurses. However, many start with handovers from the night staff. Administering medication might be what comes next, as well as preparing patients for surgery. The day might also involve wound dressing and similar post-operative actions. The wrap-up of the day should consist of a handover to the staff on the next shift. Depending on the setting of where the orthopaedic nurse works, a typical day may vary significantly.
What career opportunities can an orthopaedic nurse expect?
Orthopaedic nurses can specialise in two different roles: fraction liaison nurse and advanced nurse practitioner. To gain these specialisations, the nurse will need sufficient experience both as a nurse and as an orthopaedic nurse. In addition to experience, training and university courses, such as a course of advance care management, are necessary.
Why are orthopaedic nurses so important?
Orthopaedic nurses are at the core of patient recovery. They hold the skills and knowledge necessary to assist patients both pre- and post-surgery. When going through an operation, patients need assistance with a wide range of care. This is where the orthopaedic nurse comes in.
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