Orthopedic nurse

What does an orthopaedic nurse do? – tasks and work environment

An orthopaedic nurse cares for patients being treated for diseases and injuries of the skeleton, joints, muscles, and tendons. The role often involves close contact with patients before and after orthopaedic surgeries, focusing on care planning, pain management, and rehabilitation. Tasks include changing dressings, casting fractures, monitoring medication treatment, and collaborating closely with doctors, physiotherapists, and other healthcare staff. The work is mainly performed in hospital orthopaedic wards, outpatient clinics, or operating units, and the work environment is often fast-paced with occasional high pressure and rapid adjustments.

Salary development over time

Salaries for orthopaedic nurses have shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,100 SEK per month, increasing to 42 900 SEK in 2023, representing an increase of about 4.4%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary further rose to 43 900 SEK, which is an additional increase of approximately 2.3%. Overall, the salary trend indicates that the profession remains attractive financially, especially with increasing demand for specialist skills in healthcare. Factors influencing salary development include region, education level, and work experience, but the ongoing shortage of nurses in certain areas also helps push wages upward.

Orthopaedic nurse salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 43 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 40,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
• Highest salary: 77,200 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 264 SEK
• Gender differences: Men 45 400 SEK, women 43 700 SEK (women earn 96% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salaries vary between regions, with metropolitan areas often offering higher wages than smaller towns

Education and qualifications

To work as an orthopaedic nurse, a license as a registered nurse and specialized training in orthopaedics are required. The basic nursing education involves three years of full-time studies at a university or college, followed by a one-year specialist training in orthopaedic care. Practical experience from orthopaedic settings is often advantageous and sometimes necessary to qualify for the specialist program.

• Nursing degree: 3 years (basic level, university or college)
• Specialist training in orthopaedics: 1 year (advanced level)
• Practical training: Clinical practice during education and often work experience in orthopaedic care
• Certifications: Opportunities for extra courses in casting, pain management, and rehabilitation
• Prerequisites: Licensed nurse

Common benefits and compensations

Orthopaedic nurses often have access to benefits such as extra pay for unsocial hours, wellness allowances, professional development, and opportunities for further education. In some regions, paid specialist training, flexible hours, and pension contributions beyond collective agreements are offered. Access to supervision and support in daily work is also a valued benefit.

Challenges and competition

The demand for orthopaedic nurses remains high, and the job market is characterized by recruitment difficulties, especially in certain regions. At the same time, there is a paradoxical situation with high levels of part-time work and staff turnover, which requires flexibility and adaptability. Workload can be high, particularly in emergency departments and during periods of high patient volume. Rapid technological and treatment developments also demand continuous further training and adaptation to new methods. Competition for the most attractive positions is most intense in metropolitan areas, where salary levels tend to be higher.

Tips for aspiring orthopaedic nurses

To succeed as an orthopaedic nurse, it’s good to combine analytical skills with a genuine interest in people and care. Being resilient under pressure is crucial, especially for acute orthopaedic injuries. Strong communication skills facilitate collaboration with patients and colleagues, and help explain treatment processes. Curiosity and willingness to continuously learn new methods help keep competence up to date. Accuracy is important in medication management and documentation, while empathy and attentiveness contribute to patient safety. A proactive approach to further education and professional development increases opportunities for advancement and higher salaries.

Key facts about orthopaedic nurses

• Education level: Nursing degree + specialist training in orthopaedics
• Salary range: 40,700–77,200 SEK/month
• Work environment: Hospitals, emergency departments, or specialist clinics
• Demand: Large job opportunities nationwide
• Typical work pattern: Shift work with on-call duties and unsocial hours

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an orthopaedic nurse can develop into roles such as team leader, care developer, or take responsibility for specific patient groups within orthopaedics. There are also opportunities to work as clinical supervisors for students or to further qualify as a specialist nurse in related fields such as anesthesia or surgical care. According to the latest forecast from the Employment Service, the opportunities for employment as a basic nurse remain strong, and demand is expected to stay unchanged over the next five years. The shortage of specialist competence in orthopaedics offers good future prospects for those pursuing further education, and the availability of vacant positions is high within the profession. Currently, there are 375 available jobs nationwide.

Common questions about orthopaedic nurses

• What is the average salary of an orthopaedic nurse?
  - The average salary for an orthopaedic nurse is 43 900 SEK per month.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries in the profession?
  - Yes, men earn on average 45 400 SEK and women 43 700 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's salaries.
• What are the future prospects for orthopaedic nurses?
  - The job market is very good, and demand for orthopaedic nurses is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.
• What education is required to become an orthopaedic nurse?
  - A license as a registered nurse and specialist training in orthopaedics are required.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an orthopaedic nurse?
  - The highest salary is 77,200 SEK per month and the lowest is 40,700 SEK per month.
• Where do orthopaedic nurses usually work?
  - Most work in hospital orthopaedic wards, outpatient clinics, or emergency departments.
• What benefits are common in the profession?
  - Common benefits include overtime pay, wellness allowances, professional development, and opportunities for further education.