IVF Nurses - Role, Salary, Job Requirements

Planning to have a family is wonderful for any couple, but it isn’t without its challenges. Those who experience difficulty conceiving are not alone; fertility rates continue to drop worldwide. The reasons for this aren’t always negative, such as women’s empowerment in their careers and lower child mortality rates. However, some couples have also had to wait due to the increasing cost of having and raising children. As much as a hindrance these factors may be, they do not diminish a couple’s desire to have their very own children.

It can be difficult for anybody hoping to do this to be met with fertility concerns. Fortunately, some professionals are trained, qualified, and well-equipped to help you on your journey to conceive. Apart from doctors, IVF nurses are crucial to the success of families. But what exactly does an IVF nurse do? 

What Do IVF Nurses Do?

IVF nurses, also known as reproductive or fertility nurses, assist patients who want reproductive health interventions. These professionals help individuals and couples with their concerns regarding conceiving successfully and addressing infertility. For instance, a woman may want to see an IVF nurse if they have had trouble conceiving for more than a year. They also work to manage other reproductive health concerns, such as menopause.

IVF nurses work in an industry that is rapidly evolving. Innovation programs that target underserved groups needing specialized care, such as same-sex couples and women over 40, are already being implemented. This is why fertility nurses need to be good at educating their patients about various options and procedures available. They also take on responsibilities such as performing IVF treatment procedures, running infertility support groups, and more.

How Much Do IVF Nurses Make?

IVF nurses make anywhere between $63,000 to $85,000 annually. It will depend on their location, level of education, experience, and certifications.

What Kind of Nurses Deal With IVF?

Nurses that deal with IVF need to be trained, licensed, and certified. It is crucial, especially since these nurses will be handling very sensitive clients and their information. There are many options for IVF nurses these days, including on-site and online RN to BSN programs that equip them with the fundamental skills for the job, including clinical, research, and leadership aspects.

Not only that, but the kinds of nurses that deal with IVF also act as counsellors. They provide emotional support for patients struggling with starting or continuing their families. Ultimately, these professionals must be well-rounded, skilled, and empathetic to work successfully in an IVF setting.

How to Become a Hospital Reproductive or Surgical Oncology Nurse?

Those interested in becoming hospital reproductive or surgical oncology nurses will not just work on reproductive issues. They will also be working to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancers related to reproductive health.

These nurses must function well in extremely stressful settings with a strong capacity for compassion. Getting the right credentials is also a must. First, aspiring nurses must take an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Then, they must pass the Oncology Certified Nurse Board exam through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

After graduating and earning their degree, aspiring IVF nurses must pass the NCLEX examination to acquire a license to practice. Although this is not always required, most IVF nurses gain experience in the field by taking on a bedside role in hospitals. There is no certification specifically for fertility nurses. Still, it helps to be certified in inpatient obstetric nursing (RNC-OB), neonatal intensive care nursing (RNC-NIC), or maternal newborn nursing (RNC-MNN). It will depend on your inpatient nursing experience.

How Long Does It Take to Become an IVF Nurse?

Becoming an IVF nurse can take between two to four years. It depends on whether they carry a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), as mentioned above. These need to come from an accredited college or university. ADN nurses may also opt to complete a BSN program through an RN to BSN program.

Conclusion

IVF nurses are vital to the success of any couple’s journey to conceive. Whether you have questions about the cost of IVF or the process itself, IVF nurses are there to help in more ways than one.

Author: Jessica Brady