How Much Do Urology Nurses Make?
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Urology nurses specialize in the care and treatment of conditions that affect the urinary tract. This work includes caring for patients before and after urological surgeries, preparing for examinations and imaging studies, and educating patients on procedures or medications.
This guide explores common salaries and the states with the highest urology nurse pay. Keep reading to find the steps you can take to maximize your urology nurse salary.
Average Salary for Urology Nurses
RNs with associate degrees in nursing (ADNs) or bachelor of science degrees in nursing (BSNs) can become urology nurses, but many employers prefer nurses with bachelor’s-level education. Payscale data from July 2022 indicates that the average annual urology nurse salary is $74,240, amounting to an average hourly pay of $29.94. Note that this data reflects fewer than 50 respondents.
The additional certification and education are reflected in the average annual salary, which is higher than the average annual RN salary of $68,620. You can influence your salary range with more years of experience, certifications, or advanced education.
For example, the average urology nurse’s pay jumps to over $31 an hour after five years of experience. This average reflects ADN- and BSN-level professionals, along with nurses who have and have not earned certifications in the field. Other factors that can influence compensation level include geographical location, administrative experience, and practice setting.
The Highest-Paying States for Urology Nurses
The table below includes states with the highest average RN salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track state-specific data for average urology nurse salaries, but its salary data for all RNs can offer some insight into urology nurse pay.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $124,000 |
| Hawaii | $106,530 |
| Oregon | $98,630 |
| District of Columbia | $98,540 |
| Alaska | $97,230 |
As you might expect, the highest-paying states also have some of the highest costs of living. The cost-of-living index, with an average figure of 100, indicates how expensive it is to live in the state as compared to other states. Factors include housing, utilities, food, and transportation.
The cost of living for each of the states with the highest RN salaries is above 100. Alaska has the lowest cost of living index of the five states at 127, which means it is 27% higher to live there than the average city. Hawaii has the highest cost of living of all states in the U.S. at 193.
It is important to note that while these states do have high cost-of-living figures, there are regions within each state that vary.
4 Ways to Increase Pay As a Urology Nurse
In addition to relocating, there are other ways to increase your urology nurse salary, including advancing your education, earning a certification, or changing your practice setting.
- 1
Negotiate Your Job Offer
It is important to value your worth for patient care outcomes when you negotiate your job offer. During negotiations, your employer may not be willing to increase your base salary, but adding benefits and perks to your compensation package can still add value. For example, an extra week of vacation, more sick time, tuition reimbursement, or a specific schedule can help with work-life balance.
- 2
Increase Your Education Level
Many employers prefer nurses with BSNs, and bachelor’s-level nurses generally earn more than nurses with ADNs. Earning a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) will allow you to pursue work as a urology nurse practitioner, which also raises your compensation level.
Certification by the Certification Board for Urologic Nurses & Associates recognizes your competence in urology nursing and can influence your earning potential.
- 3
Gain Experience in Administrative Roles
Nurses in administrative roles often have more earning potential and work in traditional hours. Urology nurses who want to move into administrative positions can gain experience by volunteering for committee work in the hospital, earning MSNs in nursing administration, or working toward certification. The American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the American Nurses Credentialing Center offer certifications for nursing leaders.
- 4
Change Practice Setting
There are several ways to change your practice setting and influence your compensation. On average, nurses working in outpatient settings earn less than RNs in hospitals. A urology nurse’s salary in an outpatient setting reflects the added benefit of working traditional business hours, while inpatient nurses are paid a premium to do shift work.
Consider moving to a state with a higher average RN salary while balancing this against the area’s cost of living. The average urology nurse’s salary is typically higher for travel nurses. Travel nurses are in demand around the U.S. and receive higher pay for their willingness to move to other cities for up to 13 weeks. Pay benefits can include free house, bonuses, and reimbursement for expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Urology Nurse Salaries
What are urology procedures?
Urology procedures are performed on the urinary tract to diagnose conditions or improve a patient’s health. They can include simple office procedures such as catheterization or teaching pelvic floor exercises. More complex procedures include a vasectomy, bladder or kidney stone removal, imaging studies, or surgeries.
What does a urology nurse do?
Urology nurses assist with health examinations and procedures, administer medication, and educate patients about their condition and treatments. The nature of the health conditions requires a urology nurse to be compassionate and have strong communication skills.
Where do urology nurses work?
Urology nurses work in clinical facilities and care for adult and pediatric patients. This may occur in an outpatient clinic setting, doctor’s office, or hospital setting. Patients can present with conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney or bladder stones, prostatitis, or cancer.
What skills does a urology care nurse need?
Urology nurses must be adept at assessment, nursing intervention, and patient education. They often catheterize patients with abnormal urinary tracts. These nurses must administer medications, perform some diagnostic testing, and provide post-operative care. Urology nurses should possess strong communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
