Orthopedic NP

[Jeremy G]

I get asked these questions about scope and all. I'm Adult NP. When working in an orthopedic office and seeing patients, are there any issues to consider? I've been working in ortho for 8 years clinic and surgery assisting both as RN and NP. I will be running an ortho satellite clinic soon. Does the age range matter in this setting? A "wrist is a wrist" and a "knee is a knee" for example. Can I see a 12 yr old with an ankle sprain? The board rules are so vague. There are likely hundreds of NPs working in specialty settings. Does the APRN specialty matter in these roles? I've read the rules and written papers on the rules. Nothing is clear for say working with a general surgeon or any type for that matter. As far as age goes I did study adolescents in NP school. I always tell my employer 13 and up. Does this matter when working for an orthopedic surgeon? My thought would be to have the MD just review and co sign any kid that I see. What are your thoughts?

Jeremy Garrard, MSN, ANP-BC, CSFA

[Alicia777, MSN, NP]

I guess I see your point when the patient is under the drapes but you're only licensed to care for ages 13 and up so technically no. At my old hospital we had another PA or NP available when the adult NP had to operate on a pediatric patient.

[aprnKate]

If my licensure or certification for APN only allows me to see a particular age range or population I would stick to adhere to that. In the court of law, if you do make a mistake and you saw someone outside of that age range that your APRN education or training did not train your for... it won't cover that and you may risk losing your hard earned APRN licensure/certification, I would not have a MD co-sign it period; I would just have the MD see the kid. Rules don't bend because you practice in a specialty clinic. .. just saying. If you have the desire to see children perhaps you should consider post masters FNP or PNP. I don't have quite the dilemma that you have because I am a FNP.