Ambulatory Care Nurse Career in Brief
Ambulatory care nurses, sometimes called outpatient nurses, educate patients, perform tests and health monitoring, and provide treatment working with a physician or advanced practice nurse. They may be specialists or generalists. Ambulatory care nurses may also supervise nursing assistants.
Ambulatory care duties include the following:
Primary Responsibilities
- Ensuring patient safety and efficacy of care
- Educating patients on their condition
- Collaborating with healthcare teams
- Performing diagnostic tests
Key Skills
- Attention to detail
- Empathy
- Communication skills
- Stamina
Where Do Ambulatory Care Nurses Work?
Ambulatory care nursing can take place in any healthcare setting except for inpatient care. In 2017, 9.4% of nurses worked in an ambulatory setting making it the second-most popular employment setting for registered nurses (RNs).
Health Systems Ambulatory care nurses help conduct medical testing, assist with outpatient procedures, and educate patients on caring for minor injuries or illnesses.
Physician Offices Ambulatory care nurses communicate with patients on their condition and any follow-up care, perform patient intake, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals.
Ambulatory Care Centers Ambulatory care nurses help treat acute and chronic conditions, undertake tasks such as administering intravenous medication and monitoring patients during and after treatment, and ensure patients are safe to go home after same-day procedures.
Why Become an Ambulatory Care Nurse?
Ambulatory care nursing generally involves less exposure to serious conditions or injuries, and the demands on ambulatory care nurses are more steady and predictable. However, ambulatory care nurses spend less time with patients, and consequently, can feel they are making minimal impact on patients' lives. Additionally, working conditions can still be hectic and contribute to burnout. Check below for more advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages to Becoming an Ambulatory Care Nurse
Disadvantages to Becoming an Ambulatory Care Nurse
How to Become an Ambulatory Care Nurse
Ambulatory care nurses typically hold either an associate degree or bachelor's in nursing with an RN license, but there are opportunities for advancement through certifications or earning a graduate degree.
How Much Do Ambulatory Care Nurses Make?
Ambulatory nurse salaries vary based on credentials, certifications, responsibilities, geographic location, and work setting. The 2024 median annual salary for all nurses was $93,600, compared to $49,500 for all professions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth in jobs for all RNs from 2024-2034. However, medical or technical advances, such as minimal invasive procedures like laparoscopic surgery, may convert more inpatient procedures to outpatient procedures, leading to additional growth in ambulatory nursing jobs.
Resources for Ambulatory Care Nurses
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewed by:
