How to Be a Urology Nurse
Urology nursing is a specialty field of nursing where practitioners deal with patients suffering from urologic conditions. These conditions may include diseases or malformations related to the urinary tract and the urinary system. Urology nurses also take care of male patients with problems of the prostate. It is a relatively young field of nursing, but it is steadily gaining momentum. Hospitals and specialty clinics alike are constantly looking to add urology nursesto their staff.
HOW TO BECOME A UROLOGY NURSE
Becoming a urology nurse is easy. A candidate must posses a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing or a BSN Degree. The nurse candidate must also have a significant background in urology nursing. This experience can be gained by practicing in a urology setting. Nurses who want to be in the urology field can apply to specialized urology clinics or institutions.
Urology Nurses Abroad
In other countries, like the United States, nurses who want to specialize in urology must have a BSN degree. They must also have a solid background in urology. This can be achieved by documenting solid contact hours with urology patients. Some Urology Nurses Associations in the United States and in Europe offer certifications to their members.
Certification is not a requirement, but most US hospitals do prefer their employees to be certified. This helps give them authority and credibility in their practice. Certification may be gained by passing accreditation exams. Employers usually the ones who fund these exams, but nurses can apply for them individually.
ROLES OF A UROLOGY NURSE
The roles of a urology nurse are no different from regular nurses. They still have work as direct caregivers. Direct care included meeting their patient’s basic needs. It also involves providing patients with medication and maintaining intravenous therapy. Urology nurses also provide preventative health teaching and care to their patients. They would be the ones to carry out doctor’s orders and function as patient advocates at the same time. Urology nurses, like other nurses have to be quick to identify and diagnose nursing problems presented by their patients.
Urology nurses also have the option of becoming Advance Practice Nurses (APNs). APNs are usually called to fulfill educational and research roles.
WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR UROLOGY NURSES
There are a lot of work opportunities of Urology Nurses. They may find employment in hospitals that have dedicated Urology units. They may also work in outpatient units and operating rooms. Urology nurses are also employed in emergency care settings. While there, they will be the ones to help in diagnosing and taking care of patients that come in with urologic issues. Urology nurses also have the opportunity to work in home care settings and in health care centers.
Published at: 02/04/2015
