Ambulatory care nurses are an emerging and vital medical role, working in a variety of outpatient settings, from hospitals to doctors’ offices. As an ambulatory RN, you can be relied upon to administer tests, medications and provide wound care, as well as provide patient education and update health records.
The compensation for this essential role is becoming increasingly competitive across the US, varying between states and with respect to different roles – such as a clinical nurse leader. With desirable salaries and constant potential for growth in ambulatory nursing roles available typically across the country, this could be a great career choice for those looking for a fast-paced job with long-term stability.
As an ambulatory care nurse, you are a valuable asset to the healthcare landscape. You play a critical role in providing timely, personalized services at one of the most accessible points for patient care. Your pay reflects your valuable contributions; reports show that for their day-to-day activities, ambulatory care nurses make an average of $63,000 a year. This number can increase depending on your experience and level of expertise.
Regardless of your pay bracket, there are also hours of satisfaction working with your patients as you help them find treatment solutions. With advancements in technology, each day promises a new challenge in the field of ambulatory care nursing.
Average Salary for Ambulatory Care Nurses
Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report earnings for ambulatory care nurses specifically, average salaries may be similar to those of RNs working in outpatient care centers. Nurses working in this setting reported an average annual salary of $89,300.
* Among RNs working in outpatient care centers
Highest-Paying States for Ambulatory Care Nurses
When researching salary data for ambulatory care nurses, consider the highest-paying states for all nurses. In California, registered nurses earn an average $120,560. Hawaii nurses earn the second highest average annual salary of $104,830, followed by Massachusetts, with an average annual earning of $96,250.
Oregon nurse salaries are the fourth highest at $96,230, and Alaska is fifth, paying an average $95,270, according to the BLS.
How Do Ambulatory Care Nurse Salaries Compare to Other Nurses?
The average outpatient RN salary is $89,300 and ambulatory surgery nurse salaries are generally in the same range. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn an annual median $117,670, according to the BLSbut they must have at least a master of science in nursing (MSN). Nurse anesthetists earn the highest median salaries at $183,580.
Nursing salaries for those without an RN license are lower. Nursing assistants earn a median $30,830 per yearbelow the median $41,490 for all earners. Licensed practical nurses earn a median $48,820.
3 Ways to Increase Pay as an Ambulatory Care Nurse
You can increase your salary as an ambulatory RN through earning certification or an advanced degree. You can also become a travel nurse and work where demand and ambulatory nurse salaries are highest.
1. Become a Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse
Ambulatory RNs can earn board certification in ambulatory care. You must have at least 2,000 hours experience in the last three years as an ambulatory RN, the equivalent of two years of experience as an RN, and at least 30 hours of continuing education in the last three years. If you meet these criteria, you can take the certification examination.
2. Pursue Higher Education
If you have an associate degree in nursing, you can earn your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree through an RN-to-BSN program. If you already hold a BSN, you can earn an MSN.
While both help you increase your ambulatory surgery nurse salary, the MSN can prepare you to become an advanced practice nurse.
3. Consider Travel Nursing
Travel nurses can go to where the demand and salaries are highest. Travel nurses are in great demand because of nursing shortages. They are also typically easier to hire than full-time staff. Because of the higher stress of travel and adjusting to new workplaces where the demand is high, travel nursing can pay very well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ambulatory Care Nurse Salaries
What career advancement opportunities are available for ambulatory care nurses?
Ambulatory RNs can earn board certification or become APRNs, such as clinical nurse leaders or nurse practitioners. Many, but not all, employers require or strongly prefer a BSN or an MSN for managerial or other higher-level positions.
You do not need a BSN to earn certification as an ambulatory RN.
Where do ambulatory care nurses work?
Ambulatory care nurses can work in many outpatient settings, such as independent or hospital-affiliated physicians’ offices, same-day surgical centers, urgent care facilities, and health clinics. They may also work in other settings, such as military bases and worksites, especially sites with a high number of employees.
What is the starting salary for an ambulatory care nurse?
The BLS doesn’t separate ambulatory RN salaries from other RN salaries in its nursing salary data. However, as a new nurse, you can expect to earn about $59,580 as per February 2022 data from Payscale. If you have a BSN or work in an area with a high demand for nurses, you may earn more.
Do outpatient nurses make less?
Nurses who work in outpatient care centers earn an average annual salary of $89,300which is more than those in other workplaces. For example, nurses working in general medical and surgical hospitals earn an average $81,680.
Ambulatory surgery nurse salaries vary based on experience, education, certification, and geography.