Ambulatory Care Nurse Career Overview
Ambulatory care nurses, also known as outpatient nurses, have a role in educating patients, conducting tests, monitoring health, and administering treatment. 
They collaborate with physicians or advanced practice nurses and can specialize in specific areas. Ambulatory care nurses may also oversee nursing assistants. If you’re interested in outpatient care, let’s explore the world of ambulatory care nursing and learn how to become one.
Time Required to Pursue This Career
To become an ambulatory care nurse, it typically takes 2 to 4 years.
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Job Outlook
The field of ambulatory care nursing is expected to experience a 9% growth from 2020 to 2030. This outlook is consistent with the broader category of registered nurses (RNs).
Potential Earnings
For all registered nurses (RNs), the average earning potential is around $77,600, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Most Common Jobs for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
An In-Depth Look at Ambulatory Care Nursing
Ambulatory care nurses, sometimes referred to as outpatient nurses, engage in various responsibilities, including patient education, diagnostic testing, and collaboration with healthcare teams. They also play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and the effectiveness of care. Key skills for ambulatory care nurses include attention to detail, empathy, strong communication skills, and physical stamina.
Key Duties
– Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of patient care
– Providing patients with education about their medical conditions
– Collaborating closely with healthcare teams
– Conducting diagnostic tests to assess patients’ health
Essential Skills
– Attention to detail for accurate patient care
– Demonstrating empathy to connect with and support patients
– Strong communication skills for effective interaction with both patients and healthcare colleagues
– Physical stamina to meet the demands of the role
Where Do Ambulatory Care Nurses Practice?
Ambulatory care nursing can be found in various healthcare settings except for inpatient care. In 2017, about 9.4% of nurses worked in ambulatory settings, making it the second most popular employment setting for registered nurses.
1. Health Systems
Ambulatory care nurses support medical testing, assist with outpatient procedures, and educate patients on caring for minor injuries or illnesses.
2. Physician Offices
They communicate with patients regarding their condition, perform patient intake, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals.
3. Ambulatory Care Centers
In these centers, ambulatory care nurses help treat acute and chronic conditions, administer intravenous medication, and monitor patients during and after treatment. They ensure patients are safe to return home after same-day procedures.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pursuing Ambulatory Care Nursing
Advantages:
– Less exposure to serious conditions compared to inpatient nursing.
– Predictable schedules and workloads.
– High demand and above-average salaries for ambulatory care nurses.
Disadvantages:
– Fewer opportunities to make a significant impact on patients’ lives compared to inpatient nursing.
– Potential for burnout due to over-scheduling or working overtime.
– Limited professional autonomy for RNs in this field.
Steps to Become an Ambulatory Care Nurse
1. Earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN). A BSN program takes four years, while an ADN program takes two years. Some higher-level positions and advanced practice nurse roles require a BSN.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain nursing licensure. This national exam covers various topics, including health promotion, patient care, and pharmacology.
3. Gain clinical nursing experience in ambulatory care, typically requiring 1-2 years of intensive care unit or post-anesthesia care unit experience.
4. Consider becoming board certified in ambulatory care nursing (AMB-BC). Some employers may require or prefer this certification, which demands two years of RN experience, 3,000 hours in ambulatory care, and 30 hours of continuing education.
How Much Do Ambulatory Care Nurses Make?
The salary of ambulatory care nurses varies based on factors such as qualifications, certifications, job responsibilities, location, and the healthcare setting. In 2021, the median annual salary for all nurses was $77,600, while the median for all professions was $45,760.
The Future of Ambulatory Care Nursing
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 9% growth in jobs for all registered nurses (RNs) from 2020 to 2030. Advancements in medical and technical procedures, such as minimally invasive surgery, may lead to more inpatient procedures shifting to outpatient settings, resulting in increased demand for ambulatory care nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to become an ambulatory care nurse?
– It typically takes two years to earn an ADN and four years to earn a BSN. Certification usually requires at least two years of RN experience. Advanced practice nurses, like nurse practitioners, need a master’s degree, which takes at least two years.
2. What is the difference between ambulatory care and outpatient services?
– Some providers use these terms interchangeably, as both involve non-admission to a hospital or healthcare facility. However, some make a distinction that ambulatory care includes same-day procedures or treatment, whereas outpatient services don’t require a physical visit (e.g., telehealth).
3. What career advancement opportunities are available for ambulatory care nurses?
– Ambulatory care nurses can advance by becoming advanced practice RNs, such as nurse practitioners, which requires a graduate degree. Additionally, they can seek certification in ambulatory care or other specializations to further their careers.
4. Do ambulatory care nurses provide telehealth services to patients?
– Telehealth is becoming more common in ambulatory care nursing, especially for patients who face transportation challenges or physical limitations. Outpatient nurses may provide health monitoring or patient education through telehealth.
Resources for Ambulatory Care Nurses
– American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing:
This organization provides standards and core curriculum for ambulatory care, issues publications, administers scholarship and awards programs, offers networking opportunities, and hosts a job board.
– American Board of Urgent Care Medicine:
While it certifies only physicians, this organization offers resources and a job board for individuals interested in urgent care.
– Ambulatory Surgery Center Association:
This association conducts advocacy for ambulatory surgery centers, reports on legislation, conducts benchmarking research, and provides education on management and clinical care.
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