If you or anyone you know has dealt with a musculoskeletal condition, then you have firsthand knowledge of the important work that orthopedic nurses do. Also known as ortho nurses, these professionals play a critical role in the healthcare system by providing specialized care for patients dealing with issues related to their muscles and bones.
As a med traveler, you can take your orthopedic nursing skills on the road and gain control over your career. Plus, you get to make a significant impact, provide essential care in areas where it's needed the most, and foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment within yourself.
Interested in traveling as an ortho nurse? Browse travel ortho nurse jobs at outstanding facilities across the country and find your fit.
As an orthopedic nurse, you have the responsibility of monitoring your patients’ conditions, administering medication, setting bones, and even assisting in surgeries in the hospital orthopedic unit. These conditions range from fractures, broken bones, and dislocations to chronic diseases like arthritis or osteoporosis. You play an active role in the recovery and rehabilitation of patients, helping them with pain management as they regain their mobility and improve their quality of life long term.
Treat injuries, perform patient assessments and monitor vital signs
Administer prescribed pain medications and assist in physical therapy exercises for pain management
Support patients and help them learn about their conditions and the necessary follow-up care after discharge
Assist doctors and orthopedic surgeons in the operating room during orthopedic surgery or in the application of mobility devices, such as casts or splints
Liaise between the patient, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible patient outcomes
With opportunities for travelers all over the country, we’ve selected areas with the most popular medical traveling jobs to help you find your best fit.
Travel registered nurses are the backbone of medical traveling. Pay transparency means you can see what you'll actually get paid before you even apply.
Level-up, nurse. Get your state licenses and travel nurse requirements reimbursed.
Travel orthopedic nurses qualify for a weekly, tax-free per diem that can help you cover the costs of moving, like your transportation, meals, and other expenses.
See new spaces. See new faces. Grow and learn in your nursing career as you grow and learn in various cities all over the country.
Being a travel orthopedic nurse is a great way to grow your experience and learn on the job. What if your dream travel assignment is asking for certifications you don’t have? Don’t sweat. You’ll get training in nursing and financial assistance for the cost of licensing and certifications!
Keeping up with the world of licensing and certification can be intimidating. Degrees and certifications depend on your modality and specialty but getting compliant for your home state and others you want to travel to is easier as a medical professional. Compliance experts work with your recruiter and the facility to ensure that you have all the relevant credentials required for any and all travel jobs.
Some of your compliance requirements are the same across the board, but there are others that will depend on your specialty in nursing.
The three parts of compliance
Occupational health records: Required immunizations and health examinations
Documentation: Tax forms, insurance paperwork, and licenses
Testing: Certifications, online training, and workplace safety exams
Anyone with a passion for healthcare and a special interest in orthopedics can become an orthopedic nurse. You'll first need to become an RN by earning a nursing diploma, an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), from an accredited nursing school. Then, it's time to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Once you're a registered nurse, gaining experience in the orthopedic nursing specialty in settings like an orthopedic ward or clinic will be the next step.
The average salary for orthopedic registered nurses can vary significantly based on a number of factors including geographic location, years of experience, and the type of healthcare facility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for a registered nurse, in general, was $75,330. However, orthopedic nurses work in a specialized setting so they may earn more.
Yes! Once you have the requisite experience, you can apply to take the Orthopedic Nurse Certification exam through the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB). The orthopaedic nurse certification board validates your specialized knowledge and skills, enhancing your credibility and potentially opening up more career opportunities.
You can work as an orthopedic nurse in many health care settings including a hospital setting where you may work in orthopedic wards, emergency rooms, or recovery units. You may also find roles in specialized orthopedic units or clinics, providing care for orthopedic patients undergoing surgeries or treatments. Orthopedic nurses work in rehabilitation outpatient care centers, helping patients to regain mobility and independence after fractures, joint replacements, or orthopedic surgeries. Outside the clinic setting, facilities such as long term care, home health, and sports medicine also offer opportunities for orthopedic nurses to help patients with issues related to musculoskeletal diseases and aging.
An orthopedic nurse who takes travel orthopedic nursing positions will gain exposure to different regional procedures and patients, have the opportunity to explore new specialties, and gain experience learning a new clinical environment quickly.