Orthopaedic Nursing

Orthopaedic nursing is the specialty practice of providing physical, emotional, and educational care to individuals with musculoskeletal problems. Orthopaedic nurses are an integral part of the orthopaedic healthcare team and provide important services to their patients. These services range from caring for those recovering from a traumatic injury or surgery, to providing long-term health care and rehabilitation of chronic conditions such as arthritis. Orthopaedic nursing helps improve quality of life for those living with musculoskeletal conditions through assessment, diagnosis, patient education, and management of health problems. Orthopaedic nurses also provide important psychological support to their patients and families as they manage their orthopaedic conditions. This important specialty provides a unique opportunity to focus on musculoskeletal health with a goal of helping patients regain function, improve quality of life, and reduce the suffering associated with musculoskeletal conditions.