- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Ambulatory care nurse
Ambulatory care nurse
An ambulatory care nurse provides pain management and general health education to patients, in non-emergency situations, outside of a hospital environment.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Managerial
Oversee other nurses and help improve healthcare for all.
Out-of-hospital
Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
What is the role of an ambulatory care nurse?
You’ll help patients with chronic injuries and illnesses by creating treatment plans that allow them to regain their independence.
What you’ll do as an ambulatory care nurse
Education
You’ll teach patients and families how to lead healthy lives.
Evaluation
You’ll assess a patient’s general health and find solutions for optimal wellness.
Management
You’ll handle documentation, make sure regulations and policies are followed, delegate roles and recommend other healthcare services.
Treatment
You’ll help patients manage their pain and create care plans.
Where you’ll work as an ambulatory care nurse
Ambulatory care nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Community clinics
- Patients’ homes
- Schools
How to become an ambulatory care nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
Work as a Registered Nurse, and gain 2,000 hours experience in Ambulatory Care and 30 hours of continuing education.
Work as a Registered Nurse, and gain 2,000 hours experience in Ambulatory Care and 30 hours of continuing education.
Get your Ambulatory Care Nurse Certification from the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing.
You’re ready to work as an ambulatory care nurse!
Ambulatory care nurse career resources
Become a member of an ambulatory care nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related nursing specialties
Urology nurse
A urology nurse cares for patients with diseases related to the urinary system, such as bladder infections and kidney stones.
Case management nurse
A case management nurse creates and coordinates long-term care plans for patients to help them be as healthy as possible.