Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner: Overview of Role, Earnings, and Path to Entry
The healthcare field boasts diverse specializations and prospects. If you harbor a keen interest in musculoskeletal health, relish the prospect of engaging with a varied patient demographic, and possess an inclination for both clinical and surgical environments, contemplating a career as an orthopedic nurse practitioner (NP) might be rewarding.
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Embarking on a fulfilling journey that integrates patient care, advanced medical expertise, and the ability to impact patients’ lives positively, delve into the details below to gain insights into the role’s description, duties, salary projections, and the steps involved in becoming an orthopedic NP.
Orthopedic NP Role Overview
Orthopedic NP Job Description
Orthopedic NPs, classified as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), provide comprehensive care to individuals dealing with musculoskeletal issues throughout their lifespan. Common musculoskeletal problems they address include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, and tendon or ligament injuries.
The duties of orthopedic NPs encompass gathering patient histories, formulating differentials for assessment and diagnosis, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and initiating treatment plans. Following up with patients to ensure improvement and adherence to the treatment plan is a crucial aspect of their role.
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Depending on their workplace, orthopedic NPs may assist in orthopedic surgeries, managing pre-operative and post-operative care, and participating in hospital rounds alongside orthopedic surgeons. It is common for them to engage in patient rounds while in the hospital, collaborating closely with orthopedic surgical teams.
Orthopedic NPs can operate in diverse settings, such as inpatient and outpatient facilities, private practices, large organizations, rehabilitation facilities, and sports medicine practices. This allows them to offer comprehensive care from the initial stages of injury or pain to patient discharge.
The work schedule for orthopedic NPs varies based on their setting. Those in inpatient and outpatient roles might work four 10-hour days or five eight-hour days. Weekend and holiday on-call responsibilities may be necessary, but orthopedic NPs generally enjoy most weekends and holidays off.
Benefits of pursuing a career as an orthopedic NP include the opportunity for certification, enhancing competence, and a dedicated commitment to professional growth. Additionally, orthopedic NPs can experience diverse work environments, including clinics, surgery, primary care centers, urgent care centers, and potential involvement in post-surgery inpatient rounding.
Orthopedic NP Responsibilities
The responsibilities of an Orthopedic NP include:
– Performing physical exams on patients to assess their condition and diagnose any health problems they may have
– Evaluating patient medical histories and identifying risk factors that might make surgery risky
– Providing preoperative instructions to patients regarding what they should do before their operation
– Prescribing medication or other treatment as needed to help patients recover from surgery
– Discussing surgical risks with patients and families to ensure awareness of possible complications
– Reviewing patient records and reports from other healthcare providers who have treated the patient previously
– Coordinating patient care with other members of the healthcare team, including physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, and other nurses
– Performing diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, bone scans, and electrocardiograms (EKGs)
– Supervising patients’ recovery from surgery by providing them with instructions on how to care for themselves at home after surgery
The specific responsibilities of an orthopedic NP may vary depending on the setting and level of experience.
Orthopedic NP Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average mean annual salary of $124,580 for NPs, without a specific breakdown for orthopedics.
According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for orthopedic NPs is $52.69, translating to an annual salary of $111,681 for a 40-hour workweek. This figure is subject to variation based on factors such as state, work environment, hours worked, and overall experience.
ZipRecruiter highlights the highest-paying states for orthopedic NPs as follows:
- Washington:$164,119
- New York: $158,424
- Missouri: $149,809
- Hawaii: $146,500
- Idaho: $145,704
Becoming an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Several steps are essential to become an orthopedic NP:
1. Complete a BSN:
Attain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through a four-year program or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) followed by an RN-BSN bridge program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN:
Successfully clear the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) before applying for nursing licensure.
3. Attend and Complete an NP Program:
Apply to NP programs, with experience recommended but not always mandatory. Two primary types of NP programs are MSN-NP and DNP.
4. Get Certified:
After completing an NP program, sit for the board certification exam, often administered by the Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board. Upon passing, apply for state licensure and commence work as an orthopedic NP.
Given the rising prevalence of musculoskeletal issues in an aging population, orthopedics presents a thriving specialty. Orthopedic NPs enjoy diverse opportunities, from inpatient and outpatient care to surgery and sports medicine, making it a dynamic and fulfilling career choice.
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