Australian Job Search

Orthopaedic Jobs

Orthopaedic jobs, as another category of nursing jobs, involve work in orthopedics, a branch of medicine which treats diseases, injuries, and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Although orthopedics is the generally accepted term, orthopedic surgery is the proper title for this medical specialty.

Who works under the orthopaedic jobs category of nursing jobs?

Orthopaedic jobs are usually done by physicians, medical specialists and other health care providers. This multidisciplinary team doing orthopaedic jobs is responsible for managing the symptoms of an orthopedic condition.

Some of the common professionals with orthopaedic jobs are: the primary care physician, who is responsible for routine health care; the orthopedic surgeon who does the operation when necessary; the rheumatologists; the physical therapist, who evaluate and provide treatment for persons with health problems resulting from injury, disease, or overuse of muscles; and the podiatrist, who specializes in foot care, and the person who has the license to perform foot surgery and prescribe medication. As most hospital unit, orthopaedic jobs are also done by orthopedic nurses, who help patients understand their treatment plan and answer questions.

How can one practice orthopaedic jobs as a nurse?

After a bachelor's degree in nursing, one should have ONC or Orthopedic Nurse Certified in order to do orthopaedic jobs. Orthopaedic nursing specialises on the prevention and treatment of diseases of musculoskeletal disorders. Doing the orthopaedic jobs as a nurse, one tackles issues from acute problems such like fractures, joint replacement to chronic systems disorders such as loss of bone density or lupus erythematosus. A nurse doing orthopaedic jobs should also have skills in neurovascular status monitoring, traction, continuous passive motion therapy, casting, and caring for clients with external fixation.

With the aging population and rising health costs, practicing orthopaedic jobs as a nurse is in high demand. Aside from practicing in the hospital, nurses who do orthopaedic jobs may also work with patients at their homes, in operating rooms, in rehabilitation centers and in physician practice.