Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Nurse

Last Updated On Aug 22, 2024

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

7 Min Read

What is an Otorhinolaryngology/ENT Nurse?

An otorhinolaryngology nurse – also known as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) nurse – cares for patients with diseases or injuries of the ear, nose, throat, head, or neck. ENT nurses assist in the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions, including ear infections and allergies, laryngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, sleep apnea and injuries such as broken bones. ENT nurses treat all ages of patients, from infants to the elderly, with a sizable pediatric patient population.

How to Become an Otorhinolaryngology/ENT Nurse

Aspiring ENT nurses must first complete their Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Specializing in otorhinolaryngology requires a strong knowledge of the ear, nasal passages, and throat and how these areas interact with one another. Additionally, as many ENT patients are children, courses in pediatrics and experience working with children are particularly useful. Once a nurse has a valid RN license, he or she can begin working in a number of related fields to gain experience in otorhinolaryngology, such as otology, audiology, laryngology, and rhinology. Once a nurse has worked for three years in an otorhinolaryngology setting, he or she may then sit for the Otorhinolaryngology Nursing Certification exam offered by the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Nurses.

A typical job posting for an Otorhinolaryngology/ENT nurse position would likely include the following qualifications, among others specific to the type of employer and location:

ADN or BSN-level education and active RN license
Prior professional nursing experience and Otorhinolaryngology Nursing Certification preferred
Experience working in an otorhinolaryngology setting, or the fields of otology, audiology, laryngology, and rhinology
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with patients and caregivers
Attention to detail required for recording medical histories and exam results

What Are the Schooling Requirements for Otorhinolaryngology/ENT Nurses?

A position as an ENT nurse requires an ADN or BSN degree from an accredited nursing school in addition to an active RN license. Coursework in the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the ear, nasal passages, and throat are particularly critical for nurses interested in otorhinolaryngology. After working as a registered nurse in otorhinolaryngology for three years, a nurse can sit for the Otorhinolaryngology Nursing Certification exam to become a Certified Otorhinolaryngology Nurse (CORLN).

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

While an RN can begin work as an ENT nurse as soon as he or she completes their nursing degree and attains an RN license, the Otorhinolaryngology Nursing Certification offered by the Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Nurses is highly desired for career and salary advancement as an otorhinolaryngology nurse. In order to sit for this exam, an RN should have at least three years of experience in an ENT setting.

If you’re wondering how much time the process will take to become an otorhinolaryngology/ENT nurse, here’s a table that breaks down the various timelines:

Requirement	Description	Timeline
High School Diploma/GED	Completion of secondary education	4 years
Nursing Degree	Foundational nursing education, including clinical rotations in various specialties	ADN: 2-3 years, BSN: 4 years
RN License	Passing the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation to obtain RN licensure	Exam preparation: Typically 2-3 months
Clinical Experience	Gaining experience as an RN, preferably in ENT, surgical, or related specialties	1-2 years
ENT Nursing Experience	Working directly in an ENT setting	1-2 years
Certification in ENT Nursing	Pursuing specialty certification in ENT nursing, such as the Certified Otorhinolaryngology Nurse (CORLN)	Varies, typically requires 2 years of ENT experience

What Does an Otorhinolaryngology/ENT Nurse Do?

ENT nurses assist in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with various diseases and injuries of the ears, nose, throat, cranial nerves, skin, and neck. They often perform and assist with examinations of the ears, nose, throat, head, and neck using tools such as tongue depressors, otoscopes, and specialized mirrors. They also collect samples from the affected area and record symptoms and vital signs, which are then used to pinpoint a diagnosis. They also assist with treatments, such as administering medications, educating patients about home care for their conditions, and supporting patients undergoing medical and surgical procedures concerning the head and neck.

Where Do Otorhinolaryngology/ENT Nurses Work?

ENT nurses work in a variety of settings, including:

Otorhinolaryngology offices
Hospitals
Community health centers
Allergy clinics
Assisted living facilities
Plastic surgery practices

What Are the Roles and Duties of an Otorhinolaryngology/ENT Nurse?

Conduct assessments of patients' ears, nose, throat, head, and/or neck, including the use of tongue depressors, otoscopes, and various lights and mirrors
Collect samples from affected areas and record symptoms and medical histories
Administer medications and educate patients on how to care for their conditions or injuries at home
Assist in surgical procedures, prep patients for surgery, and care for patients during recovery

Otorhinolaryngology/ENT Nurse Salary & Employment

Otorhinolaryngology is a highly specialized field of medicine, and as such, nurses with experience and knowledge of ENT care are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses as a whole was $86,070 in May 2023. However, for nurses who specialize in specific areas, such as otorhinolaryngology, that annual salary may increase depending on education and experience level. Here’s a breakdown of the full range of salary: