Article Contents
What is Urologic Nursing?
Urologic nursing is the specialization that focuses on caring for patients with urologic disorders and diseases. According to The Urologic Nursing Journal, responsibilities of urologic nurses include testing for and diagnosing urologic conditions, treating kidney stones, conducting routine examinations, helping patients learn about preventative care measures, and administering medication.
What is a Typical Work Environment for a Urologic Nurse?
Urologic nurses may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and outpatient care centers.
What are the Education and Certification Requirements?
In order to become a urologic nurse, one must become a nurse. He or she can become an LPN/LVN or RN by completing an accredited nursing program. After graduation, the individual must pass the NCLEX and become licensed to work as a nurse.
Urologic nursing certification is offered by the Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates. Though certification is voluntary, the CBUNA claims that becoming certified increases one’s knowledge and understanding of urologic nursing, demonstrates expertise, and may lead to greater responsibilities and advancement opportunities. RNs wishing to become certified must first work 2 years as a registered nurse and at least 800 hours caring for urologic patients. LPNs/LVNs must care for urologic patients for a year before they are eligible to take the certification exam. Clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners can also become certified if the CBUNA’s criteria is met.
What is the Average Salary of a Urologic Nurse?
The salary of any nurse is largely dependent on his or her geographic location, employer, and education and experience levels. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the median salary for registered nurses in 2012 was $65,470, and the median salary for licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses in that year was $41,540.
What is the Employment Outlook?
Though the employment outlook specifically for this nursing specialization is unknown, there is a lot of data related to nursing in general. The BLS states that the outlook for nursing is positive, if not excellent, for the years 2012-2022. The BLS predicts 19% job growth during these years for RNs and 25% for LPNs/LVNs.
