Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the importance of pediatric orthopedic nurses is paramount.

Medical advancements surge onward, and with every stride, the demand for skilled professionals who can support, nurture, and safeguard our children’s orthopedic health escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric orthopedic nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager detailing the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of pediatric orthopedic nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric orthopedic nurse job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurses specialize in assisting children with musculoskeletal issues, including diseases, injuries, or deformities.

Their role encompasses providing preoperative and postoperative care, pain management, and education to patients and their families.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and monitoring the health status of pediatric patients with orthopedic issues
• Administering medication and pain management techniques as prescribed by a physician
• Assisting orthopedic surgeons during procedures and surgeries
• Providing care and assistance to patients during recovery from surgeries and treatments
• Educating patients and their families about treatment plans, aftercare instructions, and rehabilitation exercises
• Maintaining accurate and detailed patient records
• Coordinating with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and dieticians, to ensure comprehensive care
• Keeping up to date with advancements and best practices in pediatric orthopedic nursing
• Providing psychological support to patients and their families
• Monitoring and managing potential complications arising from orthopedic surgeries or treatments

 

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse to join our dynamic healthcare team.

The Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse is responsible for providing care to children and adolescents with musculoskeletal conditions, including broken bones, deformities, or diseases.

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of pediatric nursing practices, orthopedic conditions, and excellent communication skills to provide education and support to patients and their families.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess and monitor patients’ condition and progress
• Administer medications, provide wound care and implement doctor’s orders
• Assist orthopedic physicians during examinations and procedures
• Provide education to patients and their families about treatment plans and post-surgical care
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive patient care
• Document patient information and treatment plans in electronic medical records
• Ensure adherence to infection control policies
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• At least 2 years experience in pediatric nursing
• Experience in orthopedic nursing is preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong knowledge of pediatric growth and development
• Knowledge of common pediatric orthopedic conditions and treatments
• Ability to work in high-stress environments
• BLS and PALS certification

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education credits

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinical setting. This role includes shift work and may require working on weekends and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nurse Manager or Department Head.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse Do?

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurses are specialized healthcare professionals who provide care to children and adolescents suffering from musculoskeletal issues.

These nurses work closely with a team of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and other medical professionals in a hospital setting, outpatient surgery center, or a private clinic.

They are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of conditions, including fractures, dislocations, and chronic diseases like arthritis or osteoporosis.

A Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse also educates the patient’s family about the child’s condition, treatment plans, and necessary post-operative care.

This may include teaching them exercises for mobility and strength, or how to use assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs.

They also provide post-surgical care, administer medications, monitor vital signs and pain levels, and ensure that the child’s recovery is progressing as expected.

In addition, Pediatric Orthopedic Nurses often provide emotional support to the children under their care, helping them deal with fear or anxiety related to their conditions or procedures.

Being a Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse requires a blend of technical skill, pediatric knowledge, and the ability to offer compassionate and patient-centered care.

 

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse should have skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of pediatric orthopedic conditions, treatments, and post-operative care to provide the best possible nursing care to patients.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with pediatric patients, their families, and the healthcare team, as well as to comfort and reassure patients who may be scared or in pain.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex medical conditions and procedures to patients and their families in an understandable manner, as well as to coordinate with the orthopedic team.
• Strong observational skills to monitor pediatric patients’ conditions, recognize changes, and react quickly and appropriately in emergencies.
• Knowledge of pain management techniques suitable for pediatric patients to ease their discomfort.
• Patience and empathy to deal with children of different ages and temperaments, understanding their fears and concerns.
• Ability to operate and understand medical equipment used in orthopedic procedures and care.
• Good physical stamina as the job may require long periods of standing, lifting, or moving patients.
• Problem-solving skills to identify issues that may arise in the care of pediatric orthopedic patients and find appropriate solutions.

 

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse Experience Requirements

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurses, also known as Pediatric Orthopedic Registered Nurses, typically require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, following which they need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse.

Once they have their RN license, they gain experience in general pediatric nursing roles which usually lasts for about 2 years.

After gaining the initial pediatric nursing experience, these nurses often need additional training and experience specifically in pediatric orthopedics.

This can be accomplished by working in an orthopedic department, a children’s hospital, or a clinic that specializes in pediatric orthopedic care.

This additional experience often takes another 1 to 2 years.

Nurses who aspire to specialize in pediatric orthopedics should consider obtaining certification from a recognized nursing body such as the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board or the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board, which often requires a certain amount of orthopedic nursing experience.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some managerial or supervisory experience and are usually ready for a leadership position such as a charge nurse or nursing director in a pediatric orthopedic unit.

Advanced roles such as these require significant hands-on experience in pediatric orthopedic nursing, and often require additional credentials like a Master’s degree in Nursing or a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) certification.

 

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurses begin their career by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).

This program provides a comprehensive foundation in healthcare, biology, anatomy, and nursing, as well as a supervised clinical experience in a hospital or other healthcare setting.

Upon completion of the BSN, the graduate must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse (RN).

Once licensed, the RN can then pursue specialized training in pediatric orthopedics.

This is typically achieved through on-the-job training, continuing education courses, or advanced degree programs.

In addition, certification as a Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse is also available through professional organizations such as the Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board.

This certification verifies the nurse’s specialized knowledge and skills, and may be preferred or required by some employers.

To maintain their licensure and certification, Pediatric Orthopedic Nurses must also complete ongoing continuing education throughout their career.

This ensures they stay current with the latest advancements in healthcare, orthopedics, and pediatric care.

Furthermore, soft skills such as empathy, patience, and strong communication abilities are essential for working with children and their families.

 

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse earns an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

The salary can significantly fluctuate based on factors such as experience, additional qualifications, geographical location, and the employing healthcare institution.

 

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse need?

A Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse needs to be a Registered Nurse (RN) as the minimum requirement.

They should also hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Specialization in pediatric nursing and orthopedics through certifications can significantly enhance a candidate’s profile.

Additionally, hands-on experience in pediatric and orthopedic nursing is highly beneficial.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse?

Pediatric Orthopedic Nurses typically start their day by checking on their young patients and reviewing their health status.

They administer medications, change dressings, and assist with physical therapy exercises.

These nurses spend a significant amount of time educating the child and their parents about the treatment plan and post-hospital care.

They also coordinate with doctors and other medical professionals to ensure the child receives comprehensive care.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse?

A good Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse is not only highly knowledgeable in nursing and orthopedics but also has a compassionate and patient-centered approach.

They need excellent communication skills to effectively interact with children and their parents.

They should also possess emotional resilience, given the challenging situations they might encounter.

Furthermore, they should have good problem-solving abilities to respond effectively to various medical scenarios.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Orthopedic Nurses?

Hiring Pediatric Orthopedic Nurses can be challenging due to the specialized skills required for the role.

It involves finding candidates who are not only qualified in terms of education and certifications but also have a natural ability to work with children and handle emotionally demanding situations.

Offering competitive salaries, continuous learning opportunities, and a supportive work environment can attract quality candidates.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse resume?

Look for a valid RN license and a Bachelor’s degree in nursing at minimum.

Additional certifications in pediatric nursing and orthopedics are highly beneficial.

Check for experience in a pediatric orthopedic setting, as this is crucial for the role.

Other desirable traits include experience in patient education, pain management, and therapeutic exercises.

Be sure to note any mention of excellent communication skills, compassion, and resilience.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the vibrant and critical world of pediatric orthopedic nursing.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about providing medical care.

It’s about nurturing the physical growth of children, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric orthopedic nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to leap forward.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating detailed job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every interaction with a patient contributes to their overall wellness.

Let’s foster that growth. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Orthopedic Nurse (Complete Guide)

Career Buzzwords: The Most Sought-After Jobs of the Year

Facing Financial Challenges: The Truth About the Lowest Paying Jobs

Eccentric Earnings: The Most Unusual Ways to Make a Living

Flex and Flow: The Most Adaptable Jobs for Fluid Lifestyles