Things to Know About Orthopedics

Diseases and injuries affecting the ligaments, nerves, tendons, joints, and bones receive treatment from orthopedics specialists. Careers in this field include more than just the doctors. Each person in this team plays a vital role in patient care.

Orthopedic Nurse

Nurses who take care of people with musculoskeletal diseases fall under the umbrella of orthopedics. These skilled nurses may assist in the operating room or could work a special ward in the hospital. While many work with patients who have had joint replacement surgery or corrective procedures for broken bones, they also help patients suffering from arthritis. As with other nursing fields, these nurses may be a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Registered nurses go to school for two to four years to obtain their associate's or bachelor's degree. On the other hand, LPNs only go to school for about one year in order to obtain their certificate.

Advance Practice Nurses

In addition to having LPNs and RNs on the team, some doctors employ advanced practice nurses. These nurses have completed either their master degree or earned their doctorate in the nursing field. Due to their extensive education and experience, advanced practice nurses, also known as Nurse Practitioners, are able to perform doctor-like tasks. They are capable of ordering lab tests and x-rays, diagnosing injuries and diseases and can prescribe medication. While these nurses may perform direct patient care, they often manage a healthcare for a group of patients just like a physician. Nurse practitioners must be licensed and, in some states, certified in order to work in this field.

Surgeons

At the center of most teams is the surgeon. These doctors spend about half their time in the operating room. Despite the amount of time spent in operation, these doctors also use physical, medical, and rehabilitative methods to treat their patients. Doctors specializing in orthopedics complete the traditional medical track of an undergraduate degree, medical school, and residency. After their residency, they may need to spend several years as a general surgeon before moving into an orthopedic practice. As with all physicians, these specialists are required to obtain a license and certification for their state.

Technologist

All physicians need assistants while they are in the operating room or in their office. While nurses do the bulk of the assisting, there are technologists who play a role in patient care. These techs work with patients by managing those who are in traction, assisting during operations, and applying or removing casts. Unlike physicians or nurses, these skilled workers are not required to have a license or certification. However, most offices will not employ someone as a technologist unless they have received an associate degree or certificate in the field. This ensures that the worker has had some training and education.

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