Travel Orthopedics Nurse Jobs

The agencies on Vivian that currently have the most Orthopedics Nurse jobs are Host Healthcare (71), Ardor Health Solutions (58), and TotalMed Staffing (53).

Orthopedic nurses are registered nurses who specialize in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and disorders. Besides broken arms and legs, orthopedic nurses treat patients with a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the muscles, bones, and joints, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and hip replacements. Orthopedic nursing is an ideal career path for nurses wanting to help patients pursue fully mobile, pain-free lives.

It’s possible to work as an orthopedic nurse as an LPN/LVN but most are RNs, which requires earning an Associate Degree or Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program. New grads must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for RN licensure from their state board of nursing. After one to two years of nursing experience, RNs can become an orthopedic travel nurse. For those wanting to showcase their orthopedic nursing expertise, the Orthopaedic Nurse Certification Board administers Orthopedic Nurse Certification, the only credential that demonstrates expertise in orthopedic nursing.

Orthopedic nurses are well-versed in the musculoskeletal system and experts on various orthopedic conditions, treatment methods, and surgeries. They have in-depth knowledge of pain management, mobility devices, and splinting, casting, traction, and other stabilization techniques. Orthopedic nurses must be physically fit to safely lift and position orthopedic patients and empathetic of patients’ chronic pain and/or mobility concerns. They’re also skilled at being persuasive to convince patients to follow instructions even when it causes pain or discomfort. Critical thinking, logical reasoning, and exceptional communication skills are also valuable traits in a good orthopedic nurse.

Orthopedic nurses work with a wide range of patients, caring for both men and women of all ages in a variety of settings. They frequently work in hospitals, outpatient care clinics, and private physicians’ offices. Orthopedic nurses may also find employment in rehabilitation and physical therapy facilities, sports medicine practices, home health care agencies, and long-term care centers, such as skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.

The duties of an orthopedic nurse may vary based on where they work and the patient population, but tasks focus on musculoskeletal issues. They may perform musculoskeletal exams, administer pain medications, and assist with casting materials and immobilization devices. Other duties an orthopedic nurse might perform include:

Orthopedic nurses may hold BLS - Basic Life Support or ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support among others.