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Nurse Types / Radiology Nurse

Radiology is a rapidly growing field, and the reasons are clear. Advances in technology make it possible to diagnose and treat illnesses and other conditions like never before. New techniques are being developed every day. 

Minimally-invasive approaches guided by medical imaging provide patients with more treatment options, less pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. Radiology nurses play an important role in providing this cutting-edge care. 

Whether you’re an experienced bedside nurse considering a career change or a recent graduate just starting in nursing, radiology nursing may be worth considering.

• What is a radiology nurse?
• What do radiology nurses do?
• Where do radiology nurses work?
• What are specific types of radiology nurses?
• How do you become a radiology nurse in 3 steps?
• What are the additional requirements of radiology nurses? 
• What are the salary and career outlooks for radiology nurses?
• FAQs

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What is a radiology nurse?

Most nursing programs don’t offer a clinical rotation in radiology. So it’s not unusual to wonder, what is a radiology nurse?

A radiology nurse is a licensed nurse who is specially trained to care for patients before, during, and after diagnostic procedures and tests, such as:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 
• Interventional radiology (IR)
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Nuclear medicine (NM)

The radiology nurse is a key member of the radiology team. This team consists of doctors (radiologists), nurses, radiology technologists, and medical physicists. 

Qualities of a successful radiology nurse

Qualities helpful to radiology nurses include:

• Technological aptitude: ability to use and adapt to various types of radiologic equipment and navigate computer systems
• Strong composure: can remain calm under pressure
• High-energy: enjoys a dynamic role and can adapt quickly

Radiology nurses may deal with patients who are very anxious or nervous about their diagnosis or procedure. A good radiology nurse is empathetic and caring. 

Nurses in radiology care for patients of all ages and conditions. Being able to relate to different age groups is a must. 

Some patients are stable but can turn emergent very fast. Radiology nurses must be able to think and act quickly. 

What do radiology nurses do?

Radiology nurses use the nursing process to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate goals for optimal patient care and safety. Radiology nurses ensure patient comfort, help prevent falls, and administer medications such as contrast dye. 

Radiology nurses also talk with their patients to provide supportive care and educate them on what to expect. 

They guide the patient through the procedure and answer questions along the way. A list of some of the radiology nurse’s primary duties include:

• Access and maintain IV sites and implanted ports
• Monitor vital signs and cardiac rhythms
• Administer medications, including sedation
• Collect specimens during procedures
• Maintain airways, including artificial airways
• Insert Foley catheters
• Document patient care
• Scrub and circulate for OR procedures
• Provide post-op recovery care

The responsibilities of a radiology nurse vary depending on the setting. Larger settings can employ more nurses, and nurses may be more specialized. A single nurse may have to cover more roles in a smaller setting. 

Diagnostic radiology nurses assess MRI, CT, and NM patients and can provide minimal sedation and cardiac stress agents. Procedural nurses assess, sedate, and recover patients for ultrasound (US) and CT procedures. 

A day in the life of a radiology nurse

A day in life often starts with patient assessments in the radiology department. The nurse must assess incoming patients, lab values, and IV access. Inpatient nursing care requires radiology nurses to determine what infusions are delivered at each route and how to inject contrast dyes safely. 

Nurses must ensure the pre-op labs are reviewed and watch for any medications that could affect the patient, such as anticoagulants, angiogenesis inhibitors, or antiglycemics.  

As patients are brought to the radiology suite for tests or procedures, the radiology nurse must provide patient education, administer medications, and collaborate with other care team members. 

Rare but serious events such as over-sedation, contrast reactions, or postoperative bleeding may occur. In these cases, the nurse must respond quickly with a positive attitude and high clinical competence. 

During the day, radiology nurses perform point-of-care testing, including glucose, creatinine, INR, and HCG testing. Radiology nurses also provide telehealth and remote follow-up for patients. 

Common conditions treated by radiology nurses

Radiology nurses care for patients who need testing or procedures to treat a wide range of illnesses or conditions, including:

• Cancer
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Feeding disorders
• Gynecologic disorders
• Liver and kidney disease
• Vascular disease
• Epilepsy or stroke

Nurses may care for pediatric, adult, or geriatric patients in radiology.

Where do radiology nurses work?

Radiology nurses work in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals need radiology nurses. And there are other specialized areas where they can work, including academic and research centers, freestanding imaging centers, and mobile units. 

Radiology nurses may also work in medical groups that treat a specific condition, such as oncology or neurology centers.

What are specific types of radiology nurses?

Radiology nursing is a specialty. But nurses in radiology can specialize even further. Here are a few roles: 

• Pediatric radiology nurse – cares for children who require radiology imaging or treatment.
• Interventional radiology (IR) nurse – specializes in imaging requiring insertion of catheters or wires into the body.
• Emergency or trauma radiology nurse – cares for patients requiring emergency imaging (MRI, CT, sonogram) usually done in the ER. 
• Ablation nurse – works with cardiologist and radiologist in cardiac ablation procedures.
• Oncology radiology nurse – cares for patients with cancer and blood disorder diagnoses requiring PET scans and specialized therapies.

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How do you become a radiology nurse in 3 steps?

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

To become a radiology nurse, you must be a registered nurse. Registered nurses must earn a college degree and pass the NCLEX exam.

Earn a BSN degree

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN degree, is a four-year degree in nursing. BSN programs prepare students with the knowledge and skills required to pass the board exam and earn a nursing license. 

Some facilities will hire nurses with a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing, or ADN degree. However, more hospitals and hospital networks are seeking Magnet status, which requires that RNs enroll in an ADN-to-BSN program within five years or be enrolled in a BSN program to meet magnet standards. For those who have their RN license and wish to obtain their BSN, there is an RN-to-BSN program.

After completing an ADN or BSN college degree program, a graduate becomes a Graduate Nurse (GN). Next, you must pass the nursing board exam.

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, is the board exam all nurses must pass to become officially licensed as a nurse. After a student passes the NCLEX, they can apply for a nursing license in their state. 

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

With an active nursing license, a nurse can start gaining the experience they will need as a radiology nurse. Because of the demand for radiology nurses, some facilities will hire and train new grads. Others require 1–2 years of experience as an RN before hire. 

The more experience a nurse has, the more prepared they will be for a role in radiology nursing!

Helpful skills and experience

Radiology is a great field for nurses with experience in ER, ICU, and PACU. These settings require the same skills and competencies needed for radiology, including starting and maintaining lines, handling emergencies, and adapting quickly.

Changing specialty to a radiology nurse 

If you’re thinking about switching to a new unit, radiology can be a new challenge with a nice change of pace. Here are a few considerations for changing specialties to become a radiology nurse.

Except for inpatient units, radiology nursing is primarily ambulatory care. This means patients are seen for encounters rather than long stays. Weekends, holidays, and after-hours are generally only staffed as on-call. There are fewer nurses in the radiology setting, but the nurses have greater independence.

If you’re transitioning from a setting like med-surg, you’re used to higher nurse-to-patient ratios and possible burnout. A move to radiology would mean less time spent multitasking and more time for each patient. Radiology would require a new focus on caring for one patient at a time, with more time spent educating and explaining procedures.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

The final step to becoming a radiology nurse is to get certified!

Required: Radiology nurses must be CPR-certified through the American Heart Association. Employer requirements may include ACLS, PALS, and BLS. 

Optional: Nurses who want to get certified in radiology nursing can take an exam and earn credentials to show their expertise. The Radiologic Nursing Certification Board awards the Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN) credential. CRN candidates must have 2,000 hours of clinical experience and 30 hours of continuing education in radiology nursing. Eligible nurses must also pass a 175-question exam on radiology nursing care. Certification is good for four years.

What are the additional requirements of radiology nurses? 

To be hired as a radiology nurse, there are a few more requirements for some employers.

Orientation

Many organizations require new nurses to complete a radiology orientation program or preceptorship. Orientation programs may last about 12 weeks. 

Continuing education

Continuing education courses help nurses stay current on nursing practice standards and evidence-based interventions. The number of credits or hours required annually will vary by employer and state board. But CRNs must earn 60 hours every four years to recertify. 

What are the salary and career outlooks for radiology nurses?

Radiology nurses are in demand. Employment is projected to grow 6% between 2021 and 2031.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average salary for all RNs as $82,750. Incredible Health has jobs in radiology nursing from $46,000-$140,000. Pay varies among cities.

Job satisfaction

In addition to job security, good salary, and industry growth, radiology nurses are some of the most satisfied nurses in the field.

Radiology nurses can maintain a healthy work/life balance because they typically work 8–12-hour shifts, with no weekends or holidays. They also have autonomy in their jobs, and many enjoy working with a smaller, close-knit team.

Radiology nurses tend to stay in their specialty for many years. There is also the ability to advance their careers.

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Next steps 

There are many reasons to consider a career in radiology nursing. It’s an exciting field that offers plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. Nurses can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing or achieve a Doctor of Nursing Practice to advance their careers even further. 

These degrees can lead to jobs as clinical specialists or radiology nurse practitioners. 

Another benefit is that you’ll always be learning new things—and expanding your horizons—because radiology nursing is such a dynamic field. The point is, you’ll never be bored at this job!

Here are a few more radiology nursing resources:

• Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing
• Association for Vascular Access (AVA)
• American College of Radiology
• Journal of Radiology Nursing
• Radiological Society of North America
• Radiologic Nursing Certification Board

FAQs

Nurse Types / Maternity Nurse

A maternity nurse provides medical care to people throughout their reproductive journeys. This includes family planning and routine gynecological care to pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Also known as a Labor and Delivery or obstetric nurse, these healthcare professionals support patients with both routine and complicated pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum periods.

If you love the idea of helping families welcome a new baby (or babies!), then maternity nursing might be right for you. This article will explain the steps involved in becoming a maternity nurse, including:

• What is a maternity nurse?
• What do maternity nurses do?
• Where do maternity nurses work?
• What are specific types of maternity nurses?
• How do you become a maternity nurse in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of maternity nurses? 
• What are the salary and career outlooks for maternity nurses?

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What is a maternity nurse?

A maternity nurse provides specialized medical care to a pregnant person and their newborn during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Given the nature of this job, the maternity nurse actually has two (or more!) patients at a time: the pregnant person and the fetus or newborn.

Millions of babies are born in the United States every year, and pregnancy is responsible for a quarter of all hospital admissions. This means that maternity nurses play a crucial role in healthcare!

Qualities of a successful maternity nurse

Successful maternity nurses need advanced knowledge of women’s health issues, including pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and newborn care. 

Specific tasks and knowledge required in this role include:

• Understanding of prenatal, perinatal, and newborn conditions, diseases, and routine care.
• The ability to perform prenatal assessments, including vital signs, urine and blood tests, fetal ultrasounds, and heart rate monitoring.
• Understanding of how to support and coach laboring patients through both vaginal and surgical delivery. 
• Strong assessment skills for newborns and the ability to perform newborn screenings, including APGAR scores, vital signs, genetic screenings, and bloodwork.
• Strong communication skills to facilitate care between all members of the healthcare team.

This is only a small portion of the amazing work that maternity nurses perform every day. Most of all, maternity nurses must enjoy working with families during an exciting and sometimes tumultuous time in their lives.

What do maternity nurses do?

Maternity nurses are involved in many parts of the patient journey, from sexual education and family planning through delivery and newborn care.

A day in the life of a maternity nurse

There are many kinds of maternity nurses. A nurse working in the labor and delivery (L&D) unit might start their day by getting reports from another nurse. Most L&D nurses work with just one or two patients at a time depending on patient acuity.

Next, the L&D nurse will assess their patient, including pain, vital signs, and fetal monitoring. The nurse may spend time discussing the patient’s desired birth plan regarding cord clamping, breastfeeding, and pain medication.

The nurse will regularly assess the patient during their shift to determine progress of delivery. This might include cervical checks, fetal descent, rupture of membranes, and close observations of the laboring patient for pain and coping.

If the patient or fetus shows signs of distress the nurse will intervene by changing the patient’s position or administering oxygen. The nurse must monitor the laboring patient closely for signs that suggest more support is needed.

When the patient is ready to deliver, the nurse prepares the room with all of the instruments and tools needed to ensure a safe delivery. The nurse provides coaching to help the laboring patient effectively deliver the infant.  

After delivery, the nurse assesses the newborn and supports early breastfeeding if desired. The laboring patient is typically moved to the postpartum unit a few hours after delivery where the nurse gives report to the postpartum nurse.

Common conditions treated by maternity nurses

It might seem obvious that maternity nurses work with conditions related to female reproductive health, pregnancy, and newborns. The truth is that maternity nurses can work with many different types of patients and conditions.

For example, maternity nurses might work with:

• Patients with high-risk pregnancies or multiples who need to stay in the hospital for a long period of time for monitoring, surgical intervention, or early delivery
• Patients experiencing recurrent miscarriage or recovering from a stillbirth 
• Patients who are acting as a surrogate (carrying a fetus for another family) or navigating adoption
• Newborns with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), jaundice, cleft palate, prematurity, congenital anomalies, or endocrine disorders
• Patients recovering from cesarean delivery or trauma related to vaginal birth, like tearing or hemorrhage

Where do maternity nurses work?

Maternity nurses work with patients before, during, and after pregnancy. They might work in:

• Outpatient OB/GYN office 
• Birthing centers
• Hospitals 

Some maternity nurses work in public health roles in the community, which may include tasks like vaccination, pregnancy wellness visits, or teaching classes about breastfeeding, labor and delivery, newborn care, or infant CPR and first aid.

What are specific types of maternity nurses?

Maternity nurses can work in many different areas or specialties, including:

• Outpatient obstetrical or women’s health clinics
• Fertility clinics
• High-risk pregnancy outpatient clinics or inpatient units
• Labor and delivery units
• Postpartum units
• As a lactation nurse either in the hospital or on an outpatient basis
• Specialty units for pre- and perinatal issues 

Maternity nurses have a lot of flexibility within their field, and many nurses work in different areas over the course of their careers.

How do you become a maternity nurse in 3 steps?

Maternity nursing is a popular field, and it can take some strategic planning to break into this type of nursing. With a little preparation, however, you can achieve your goal of becoming a maternity nurse.

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

The first step on your journey to becoming a maternity nurse is to obtain your Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and then pass the NCLEX.

Earn a BSN degree

There are many ways to obtain your BSN degree depending on your past educational and professional experience. There are traditional four-year degree programs, accelerated BSN programs (ABSN) for those with a prior bachelors degree in another field, or ADN-BSN and RN-BSN bridge programs.

It’s worth obtaining a BSN if possible. BSN-prepared nurses usually earn more and are eligible for increased benefits and responsibilities.

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

After you obtain your BSN, it’s time to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This is a national exam that certifies nurses have a minimum level of knowledge needed to practice safely.

Once you pass your boards, you’re ready to apply for a nursing license in the state where you wish to practice. Now it’s time to find your first maternity nursing job! Check out our career resources for help finding and preparing for your next big career move.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Helpful skills and experience

Nurses who are interested in maternity can start by taking continuing education units on topics related to women’s health, pregnancy, birth, and newborn care. 

If you’re still in nursing school, try to perform your senior practicum hours on an L&D or postpartum unit. You may also consider looking for work in an outpatient clinic to begin acquiring experience in this field.

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Changing specialty to a maternity nurse

Nurses with experience in other areas of nursing are great candidates for maternity nursing, particularly those with critical care or women’s health experience. Many hospitals also offer fellowships for nurses looking to switch to L&D.

Wondering what it takes to switch specialties? Nursing is a wonderful career because it allows for a great deal of flexibility. If you want to try a new specialty or are simply looking for a change of pace, it’s easy to explore new options.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

In addition to Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), there are several different certifications available based on your career goals and specialty.

Certification for maternity nurses takes place through the National Certification Corporation. Each certification is specific to a different area of maternity nursing, and each requires at least 24 months of maternity nursing, 2000 practice hours, and passing an exam in that specialty.

Available certifications include:

• Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal and Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)
• Registered Nurse Certified in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
• Registered Nurse in Inpatient Antepartum Nursing (RNC-AN)
• Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM)

There are additional certifications available for nurses who specialize in neonatal care, like Neonatal Resuscitation Certification (NRC), Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC), and Low Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-LRN).

Nurses who wish to specialize in breastfeeding may consider becoming certified as an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, which is the international standard for breastfeeding support. In order to sit for the exam, you must take 95 hours of lactation-specific coursework and demonstrate anywhere from 300-1000 hours of direct breastfeeding support experience.

What are additional requirements of maternity nurses? 

In addition to providing exceptional care to patients throughout their reproductive journeys, maternity nurses must possess a number of other skills, like:

• Great communication skills
• Strong patient education skills
• Compassion and love for women’s health issues

One other important skill is the ability to provide self-care. The majority of patients in this field are healthy and undergoing a normal biological process Occasionally there are cases with difficult outcomes, like repeated infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, serious postpartum complications or death. 

Other patients present challenging comorbidities and psychosocial factors, like homelessness, drug abuse, mental health illnesses, or serious medical issues. Nurses in this field must be prepared to protect themself from the emotional labor involved in maternity nursing.

What are the salary and career outlooks for maternity nurses?

Maternity nursing is a competitive and sought-after field. While the average base pay for RNs is $82,750, nurses with additional certifications and expertise can reasonably expect to earn even more. The career outlook for RNs is expected to be 6% between 2021 and 2031. Overall, the career outlook for maternity nursing is strong.

The average salary for a maternity nurse is $68,854. The top 5 cities are:

Wondering how much you could earn? Our free salary estimator can help you determine possible salary ranges for your next job. Don’t forget to consider other benefits, like paid time off and childcare stipends.

Job satisfaction

Maternity nursing can be stressful and fast-paced, but many nurses report the benefits of working with new parents and babies are incredibly rewarding.

While there’s limited research on maternity nurse job satisfaction specifically, a recent study shows that between 94-96% of registered nurses are satisfied with their jobs.  Another survey showed that nurse-midwives report above average satisfaction with their career opportunities and stress levels. 

Next steps 

Maternity nurses have many options for career advancement. Some nurses obtain additional certifications and training to take on managerial roles in their clinic or unit. Others move into research or teaching roles.

Some nurses pursue an advanced degree as a nurse-midwife. Another option is to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), which enables nurses to work as specialized lactation nurses either in the hospital or on an outpatient basis or to serve patients in their homes and community.

Are you ready to explore maternity nurse jobs in your area? Create a profile with Incredible Health today and discover your next career move!

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Nurse Types / IVF Nurse

Becoming an IVF (in vitro fertilization) nurse can be exciting and rewarding. These nurses are also known as reproductive fertility nurses because they work in the field of reproductive medicine or reproductive endocrinology. 

Reproductive health is a fascinating field because treatments are cutting edge. It uses the most up-to-date research and technologies for patients receiving fertility counseling or treatment.

• What is an IVF nurse?
• What do IVF nurses do?
• Where do IVF nurses work?
• How do you become an IVF nurse in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of IVF nurses? 
• What are the salary and career outlooks for IVF nurses?

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What is an IVF nurse?

An IVF nurse is a registered nurse. They typically collaborate with reproductive endocrinologists to support patients through fertility treatments, as well as patients experiencing menopause.  An IVF nurse advises and treats patients on matters such as: 

• Conception
• Fertility
• Reproduction

Qualities of a successful IVF nurse

An IVF nurse is well versed in reproductive technologies. They can perform a variety of outpatient procedures, and are typically skilled at phlebotomy.  

IVF nurses are known for:

• Strong communication
• Listening skills
• Empathy 
• Compassion 
• Customer service skills 

What do IVF nurses do?

IVF nurses educate and treat patients on matters such as fertility, conception, and reproduction. They also collaborate with fertility specialists to ensure the treatment plan best matches the patient. New technologies mean more options for patients. 

An IVF nurse can support patients by educating them on certain aspects of reproductive health. They explain in detail what treatment options are available to couples.

Nurses can also perform or assist in a variety of procedures in a reproductive health office. Some of those procedures include intrauterine insemination (IUI), and fresh or frozen embryo transfer. 

A day in the life of an IVF nurse

Nurses provide direct patient care in an outpatient, clinic setting. A day as an IVF nurse includes performing a thorough history and intake on new patients. The nurse will answer patient questions and triage patients who need further guidance. 

Nurses will also offer education and counseling to patients on fertility treatments. At most fertility clinics, IVF nurses also assist with patient visits, perform phlebotomy, and assist or perform procedures.  

Most IVF nurses work traditional outpatient clinic hours. This is much like a Monday through Friday, 9-5 schedule. Yet many IVF nurse positions offer the flexibility to work four 10-hour shifts per week. Sometimes there is a need to work weekends as patients may need to have a blood draw or procedure on a specific day of their menstrual cycle. 

Common conditions treated by IVF nurses

The most common conditions an IVF nurse treats are related to infertility and conception. Some of those conditions include male infertility and require a semen analysis. This testing is done at a qualified lab to assess the semen for causes of infertility such as low sperm concentrations, poor sperm motility, morphology or vitality. 

There can be other causes of male infertility that require endocrine testing. This requires a blood sample to assess hormone levels and possibly genetic testing. There may be a need for the patient to get a scrotal ultrasound to view the male reproductive organs in more detail.

Type 2 diabetes, genetic conditions, being overweight, and infection are some of the known causes of male infertility. 

The female infertility conditions may include problems with ovulation and the menstrual cycle, or conditions affecting the cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes. An endocrine evaluation with blood work may be necessary to assess hormone levels at various stages of the menstrual cycle. 

Some specific causes of female infertility include a tubal occlusion, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian failure or low egg count, and scarring from infection. 

Where do IVF nurses work?

There are a number of places where IVF nurses work. You can find an IVF nurse working in:

• Outpatient fertility clinics
• OB/GYN offices
• Egg donor centers
• Hospitals
• Research labs

How do you become an IVF nurse in 3 steps?

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

The first step in becoming an IVF Nurse is to complete your nursing education. There are several paths you can take to do this. See which nursing career path is right for you. 

Once you’ve identified the right educational path, you’ll need to complete any prerequisites and then apply. There are many schools, and each may have their unique set of qualities and requirements.

Nursing education programs can take anywhere from 11 months to 4 years. When you’ve completed your education, you’ll sit for the national registered nurse exam called the NCLEX. 

Earn a BSN degree

Although some IVF nurses complete their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), it is more common to see Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)-prepared nurses working in IVF clinics. If you have your ADN and wish to obtain your BSN there are bridge programs available such as the ADN to BSN.

If you are already a registered nurse and wish to complete your BSN there is an RN to BSN program. For those with a BSN in an unrelated field, you can complete the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) in under 2 years.

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

After completing your degree, you will need to sit for the national exam called the NCLEX-RN. Your school will likely prepare you to pass the exam by offering a review course, practice tests, and study materials. 

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Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Helpful skills and experience

Most IVF nurse job positions require a minimum of one year of experience as a registered nurse. Experience with electronic health records is also a must- especially as you will be coordinating care for the patient. You will need to be fluent in how to navigate their chart. 

In order to become an IVF nurse, it is helpful to have experience in labor and delivery, mom baby/postpartum, or in the NICU. Although IVF nurses do not help deliver babies, the knowledge and experience from working in these fields will make you a stronger IVF nurse. 

You can also gain experience by working in an OB/GYN practice as well. Although experience as a nurse in these areas is not required, it can help set you apart from the competition.  

Changing specialty to an IVF nurse

It can feel like a leap of faith to jump into a new nursing specialty! But with increased rates of nurse burnout, and the intrigue of the IVF nurse role, it’s absolutely worth considering changing your nursing specialty. 

In order to change specialties, consider gaining experience in fertility or reproductive science. You can also talk with IVF staff to gain insight into what this specialty is all about. See if you can shadow an IVF nurse for a day.

When transitioning to a new field, you’ll want to make sure you have obtained all the necessary certifications and licensures required for the role. 

Closely related fields

IVF nurses are a type of fertility nurse. There are many closely related fields if you are looking to change specialties. Some include:

• Reproductive fertility nurse
• OB/GYN nursing
• Reproductive endocrinology nurse

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

Although there is no specific certification needed to be an IVF nurse, there are ways to increase your hireability. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) offers a certificate course in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. The following certifications are also helpful:

• Inpatient obstetric nursing (RNC-OB)
• Maternal newborn nursing (RNC-MNN)
• Neonatal intensive care nursing (RNC-NIC)- depending on your in-patient nursing experience

What are the additional requirements of IVF nurses?

Patients seeking support for fertility and conception can experience a lot of stress during this process. Like nurses in all fields of healthcare, an IVF nurse must be kind and compassionate, and a great listener.

With the fast-paced technological innovations in fertility care, IVF nurses must stay on top of new research and treatments. 

What are the salary and career outlooks for IVF nurses?

It is an exciting time to be a nurse as nursing is a rapidly growing profession. Nurses help support the management of chronic medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension, so nurses are in high demand! The expected growth is 6% between 2021 and 2031. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses make an average of $39.78 per hour, which comes out to an annual salary of $82,750. This rate can go up or down based on years of experience, certifications, and if the nurse is working in a specialty.  

The average salary for a fertility nurse is $77,186. The top 5 cities are:

Job satisfaction

Job satisfaction varies based on the IVF nurse and where they work. IVF nurses may work more independently than nurses in other outpatient clinics.

The opportunity to help a couple achieve their family planning dreams feels amazing. IVF nurses support, educate, and consult with patients who have high emotional needs. Managing those emotions can lead to increased stress, along with the unpredictability of the fertility treatment outcomes. 

Overall, working in reproductive health is a high demand job that can be very rewarding. 

Next steps

Once you become an IVF nurse, there are many ways you can advance your career. Consider getting your Master of Science in Nursing degree. You can also complete free continuing education courses through Incredible Health. 

The transition to an IVF nurse can be a wonderful career advancement as you will gain new knowledge and experience in healthcare. Let Incredible Health help you land your dream job!

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