Orthopedic NPs?

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Hi, I'm looking for a little advice. I'm considering getting my FNP to pursue orthopedics. I'm currently in an Masters of Nursing Education program and will graduate next spring. I have the option to enroll in a post Masters FNP program in the fall. I currently work in ICU and have ER experience as well as many years as a paramedic. I intend to teach, but not necessarily right away. This was a good time for me to get a degree so I went for it. I'm still torn between education, which I love, and clinical practice. I did a medical mission with an orthopedic group and was just blown away by how effective and dramatic this field can be. I also love carpentry which is one obvious parallel.

Here's what I imagine the role to be, please let me know if I have this wrong. You assist the MD with office hours seeing patients, assist with surgery, do call for emergencies, perform relocations, assist with bone settings and casting. Ultimately I want to do mission work and this seems a great area for that.

I obviously need some more ortho experience. What would be the best way? Work in an ortho office or surgery center? Is the FNP the best route to this job? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN]

You got it!

Make sure that at least one of your rotations includes some ortho work, so that you get a taste of what an ortho office is like. You will be required to work with Adults, females and children all exclusive rotations and can "blend" ortho into this, depending upon your school and faculty advisor. I'd start early with them, get a contract with either the group you mentioned above and possibly a "foot in the door" (pardon the pun) or pick a trauma unit with heavy ortho experience to get a great taste/experience to pad the resume. As a paramedic you know what I'm talking about...skill check offs.

Casting is not so much important, unless you plan to go rural, nice skill to possess, but any rep will teach you what you need to know. The BSN rep taught us on casting day, it was a blast, we all casted each other. But, like all skills, unless you do it everyday...lose it. I never plaster anymore, takes too much time. The Ortho residents come see all fx/dislocations or I boot/splint them and bring'em back to clinic the next am for someone like YOU to see.

Very interesting stuff. I can see where you could be very busy with ortho/peds/trauma. Flaunt that medic background

jimbo

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Jimbo:

Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply, it was very helpful.

Chris