Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Nurse Career Overview

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Nurse Career Overview

Abby McCoy, RN, BSN

Updated

Reviewed by NursingEducation Staff

What Is an Otorhinolaryngology Nurse?

Otorhinolaryngology nurses care for patients with injuries and illnesses of the ears, nose, or throat. Sometimes called ear, nose, and throat (ENT) nurses, otorhinolaryngology nurses treat anything from sinus infections and allergies to sleep apnea and cancer. Their patients may be any age, from neonate to geriatric, and many ENT nurses see a wide range of patient ages and diagnoses throughout their days. Some otorhinolaryngology nurses choose to specialize and will only see pediatric patients. Others may focus on specific medical issues, like allergies or hearing loss. Whatever the focus, otorhinolaryngology nursing is full of opportunity.

How Long to Become?

2-4 Years

Job Outlook

6% increase from 2022 to 2032

Average Salary

$94,480

Where Do Otorhinolaryngology Nurses Work?

Because they see a wide array of patient types, otorhinolaryngology nurses can choose from several different medical settings:

In private practice, allergy clinics, and community health centers, an ENT nurse may work in a medical office environment. They will see many patients throughout the day in private exam rooms.

In the hospital, otorhinolaryngology nurses may work with surgical or cancer patients. They may also see patients who come in with an infectious process, like a child with a severe ear infection. ENT nurses who work in hospitals also care for otorhinolaryngology patients before and after surgeries like tonsillectomy and ear tube placement. Other common ENT procedures include:

What Does an Otorhinolaryngology Nurse Do?

Otorhinolaryngology nurses’ task list will depend largely on where they work. In a private practice or clinic, ENT nurses will take health histories and vital signs, perform minor assessments, and assist in procedures. In the hospital, nurses may be required to perform acute care on new wounds, monitor patients after surgery, and conduct plenty of education for the patients and families. Some common otorhinolaryngology nursing tasks may include:

ENT physicians and nurse practitioners treat patients with any diagnosis involving the ears, nose, and neck/throat. As a result, otorhinolaryngology nurses may see a wide variety of diagnoses, including:

How Do I Become an Otorhinolaryngology Nurse?

To become an otorhinolaryngology nurse, the first step is to graduate from an accredited nursing program. Otorhinolaryngology nurses can graduate with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both degrees earn the designation of registered nurse (RN), but some employers may prefer to hire nurses with a BSN.

After graduating with their degree, otorhinolaryngology nurses can apply for work as graduate nurses (GNs). New graduates can begin training under a nurse preceptor – an experienced nurse on the unit or in the office. As they train, they can study for their state licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. After passing the NCLEX, GNs become RNs and can work independently after their facility’s orientation period.

Once otorhinolaryngology nurses have gained some experience, they can test for a specialty certification or pursue an advanced practice degree to practice as nurse practitioners (NPs). To earn the designation of nurse practitioner, nurses must earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which typically takes two years if full-time hours can be devoted to study. However, the schedule is flexible, and nurses who wish to work full-time during their studies can take a slower pace.

RNs and NPs can earn an Otorhinolaryngology Nursing Certification from the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Nurses. To be eligible for this certification, nurses must have:

How Much Does an Otorhinolaryngology Nurse Make Per Year?

In the United States, RNs make $94,480 per year on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Otorhinolaryngology nurses’ annual salary is comparable to any other RN in a comparable position. Salaries can change with location and experience, with a low-end average of $63,720 and a high-end of $132,680. Depending on the workplace type, employers may be able to offer higher or lower compensation:

Nurses may notice a higher salary offering on the West Coast, New England states, and Alaska, but the cost of living in these areas can also be high. The lowest-paying states are in the Midwest and some Southeastern states.

Annual Mean Wage of Registered Nurses, by State

  • $69,030 - $80,760
  • $81,390 - $86,210
  • $87,220 - $94,670
  • $94,830 - $137,690

Blank areas indicate data not available


Source: BLS

The top-paying cities for otorhinolaryngology nurses include:

Are Otorhinolaryngology Nurses in High Demand?

With such a vast collection of workplace choices, otorhinolaryngology nurses have a lot of opportunities for employment. Facial plastic surgery, for example, boasts rapid growth. According to The Aesthetic Society, the number of rhinoplasty procedures increased by 50% from 2020 to 2021. Ear tube placement may also be on the rise, according to one study that reported out of 73 million children, 6 million required ear tubes.

Nurses across all specialties are currently in high demand across the country. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 24% of U.S. hospitals have reported critical staffing shortages, and at least eight states have had to call in help from the military for staffing. As a result, the job outlook for otorhinolaryngology nurses should stay positive for some years to come.

Additional Resources for Otorhinolaryngology Nurses

To learn more about becoming an otorhinolaryngology nurse, these additional resources may help:


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