Urology Nurse Career Overview

How long to become: 2-4 years Job outlook: 5% growth, 2024-2034 Average annual salary: $93,600

Urology nurses care for patients with urinary tract problems: infections, cancers, and kidney stones. With specialized experience and clinical knowledge, many practice under protocols with minimal supervision. They also educate patients and caregivers about conditions and treatments. As registered nurses, urology nurses earn a median of $93,600 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

What does a urology nurse do?

You need an ADN or BSN to enter the field. Certification is optional.

Urology nurses mostly treat adults, both men and women, for conditions like bladder and kidney cancers or stones, prostatitis, prostate cancer, and urinary tract infections. Some work alongside pediatric practitioners. Because of the anatomy involved, you have to be skilled at making patients comfortable enough to discuss their symptoms openly.

Day to day, urology nurses assess patients and prepare them for exams, provide care before and after surgery, and assist surgeons.

Key responsibilities

• Developing and managing care plans
• Educating patients, caregivers, and family members
• Administering medication
• Maintaining patient records
• Assisting with surgeries, procedures, exams, biopsies, and tests

Career traits

• Patient assessment and diagnostic skills
• Collaboration with physicians and medical staff
• Compassionate, clear communication
• Discretion and emotional intelligence
• Patient education skills

Where do urology nurses work?

Urology nurses work in many settings. The BLS reports that 59% of RNs work in hospitals, and urology nurses are no exception. Outpatient clinics and physicians' offices are the other common workplaces.

Hospitals

Hospitals place urology nurses in urological surgical units and operating room (OR) departments. The work includes carrying out physician orders, assisting with surgeries, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, administering medication and treatments, and caring for patients before and after surgery.

Outpatient clinics

In ambulatory urology clinics, RNs coordinate care plans, make sure medical records and test results are available, perform triage and patient assessments, and educate caregivers and family members.

Physicians' offices

Urology practices hire RNs to conduct physical exams, record patient histories, perform diagnostic testing, and administer medication.

How to become a urology nurse

Earn an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. That typically takes 2-4 years. Then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and apply for a license through your state nursing board.

Many employers prefer a bachelor's degree, a year or two of RN experience, and basic life support certification. For a surgical or OR position, expect to need a year of surgical or OR experience.

Optional specialty certification from the Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates (CBUNA) helps you stand out. Some RNs go on to earn a master's degree to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRN credentials in this field require CBUNA certification.

How much do urology nurses make?

The median salary for RNs, including urology nurses, is $93,600 a year. Nationwide, RN pay ranges from $66,030 for the lowest 10% of earners to $135,320 for the top 10%. Like all RNs, urology nurses can expect 5% projected job growth from 2024 to 2034, according to BLS data.

Earning potential depends on work setting, location, education, and certification. The top five states for RN pay are California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts, with average annual wages of $112,610 to $148,330. Hospitals tend to pay more than outpatient clinics, and APRNs earn a median of $223,210 in anesthesia roles.

Frequently asked questions

What does a urology nurse do? They work in hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices caring for patients with urinary tract conditions. They assist with surgeries, assess patients and order tests, maintain health records, and administer medication and care plans.

How is urology nursing different from oncology nursing? Urology nurses focus on the urinary tract; oncology nurses care for cancer patients. The two overlap, since urology includes treating bladder, kidney, prostate, and reproductive organ cancers.

What skills do urology nurses need? They need the core RN skills of patient care and education, plus specific knowledge of urologic conditions. Empathetic communication matters here, because these patients are often uncomfortable discussing their symptoms.

Who do urology nurses work with? Depending on the setting, they work with physicians, surgeons, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), often on large care teams. Experienced urologic RNs may also supervise RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.