Orthopedic nurse

An orthopedic or orthopaedic nurse takes care of people with musculoskeletal diseases and disorders, like arthritis, fractures, broken bones, joint replacements, and osteoporosis.

Required education

ADN or BSN

Average annual salary

$75,000

Payscale (Dec. 2025)

Varied

Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.

Patient-facing

Work hands-on, directly with patients.

Structured

Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.

What is the role of an orthopedic nurse?

Orthopedic nurses are registered nurses (RNs) specializing in the musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic nurses care for patients with broken bones, recovering from orthopedic surgeries, and patients with long-term orthopedic conditions.

What you’ll do as an orthopedic nurse

Orthopedic nurses’ responsibilities vary depending on their practice setting, but in general, include patient assessment, care coordination, and patient education and advocacy. Orthopedic nurses play a vital role in the care and recovery of individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, contributing to improved patient well-being and quality of life. Some more specific duties might include an inpatient orthopedic nurse who focuses on immediate post-operative care such as IV pain management and wound dressing changes, while an outpatient orthopedic nurse may spend more time helping patients with assistive devices and braces, for example.

In terms of daily roles and responsibilities, here are some examples of what an Orthopedic Nurse does:

Assistance

You’ll assist doctors with surgery and help patients regain their mobility and strength during recovery.

Education

You’ll teach patients and families about musculoskeletal disease and how to recuperate at home from surgery or injury.

Pain management

You’ll teach patients and families about musculoskeletal disease and how to recuperate at home from surgery or injury.

Treatment

You’ll treat injuries with wound dressing or casting.

A physician going through patient's knee X-ray to show osteoarthritis.

Where you’ll work as an orthpedic nurse

Orthopedic nurses work in diverse settings that cater to specific aspects of musculoskeletal health. Hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation and long-term care facilities are all common settings where orthopedic nurses work. Orthopedic nurses can choose to sub-specialize in many areas of orthopedics such as pediatrics, sports medicine, joint replacement, and spinal surgery. The sub-specialty will frequently determine what settings the orthopedic nurse may work. For example, general orthopedics will offer a wider choice of settings, while sub-specialties tend to be limited to large urban hospitals and academic medical centers.

How to become an orthopedic nurse

Orthopedic nurses are registered nurses (RN) who have graduated from an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN) and who have passed the NCLEX exam. On the way to becoming an orthopedic nurse, you must complete on-the-job training through unit-based orientation programs. Those who wish to validate their knowledge and skills can become certified orthopedic nurses (ONC) after gaining at least two years of RN experience and at least 1,000 hours of experience caring for patients with orthopedic conditions.

Get an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.

Pass the NCLEX-RN.

After completing your nursing education, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse. This is a requirement in all states. The NCLEX measures the foundational knowledge and skills needed for safe nursing practice for entry-level nurses.

Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining 1,000 hours’ experience in orthopedics..

Pass your Orthopedic Nurse Certification exam through the Orthopedic Nurse certification board.

You’re ready to work as a orthopedic nurse!

More orthopedic nurse FAQs

How much does an orthopedic nurse make?

The average salary range for an Orthopedic Nurse can vary depending on the level of experience, qualifications, as well as areas of specialty. For example, according to 2023 data from Payscale.com, an RN with orthopedic skills can expect to make an average annual salary of $71,000. This increases to $82,000 for OR nurses with orthopedic skills and $100,000 for Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners.

Increasing an Orthopedic Nurse salary can be achieved through various strategies, including advanced education, certifications, years of experience, specialization, geographic location, travel nursing, taking on additional responsibilities, and seeking opportunities for overtime or per diem work.

What is the demand for orthopedic nurses?

The demand for orthopedic nurses is expected to remain high, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimating almost 200K nursing positions to be open annually over the next decade. This, along with an aging population, will lead to an increased need for healthcare services related to orthopedic issues, such as joint replacements and other orthopedic surgeries.

What are some of the sub-specialties for an orthopedic nurse?

Orthopedic nursing is a field with many opportunities to sub-specialize. Some of these sub-specialties are pediatrics, sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners.

Pediatrics: Specializing in the care of children with orthopedic issues, these nurses work in pediatric orthopedic units, treating conditions such as scoliosis and reconstruction of congenital musculoskeletal anomalies.
Sports medicine: Specializing in the care of athletes, from the weekend warriors to professionals, these nurses treat sports-related injuries, understanding the unique needs of athletes.
Orthopedic surgery: These nurses work closely with orthopedic surgeons in the operating room, assisting during surgeries such as joint replacements, spinal procedures, or other orthopedic interventions.
Rehabilitation: These nurses work in rehabilitation centers, helping patients recover from orthopedic surgeries or injuries through physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation interventions.
Clinical nurse specialists: These nurses are involved in educating patients, families, and other healthcare professionals about orthopedic conditions, treatments, and preventive measures.
Nurse practitioners: Nurse practitioners with a specialization in orthopedics may provide advanced practice care, including conducting assessments, diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and developing treatment plan