Job Description For Critical Care Nursing
Critical Care Nurses focus their undivided attention on taking care of critically ill or unstable patients. These nurses mainly provide care to improve the physical and mental state of the critically ill.
Critical Care Nurses are in high demand as technological and healthcare advances have made it possible to save more patients.
What Do Critical Care Nurses Do?
Typical duties and responsibilities of Critical Care Nurses include:
- Assessing patients conditions and implementing necessary care plans
- Treating wounds
- Providing advanced life support
- Assisting physicians in performing procedures
- Observing and recording vital signs
- Ensuring that ventilators, monitors and any other medical equipment is functioning properly
- Ordering diagnostics
- Administering intravenous fluids and medications
- Responding to life-saving situations and using nursing standards and protocols for proper treatment
- Acting as patient advocate
- Providing education and support to the patients families
Critical Care Nurses On The Job
Critical Care Nurses will often work in emergency rooms, critical care wards, walk-in clinics, doctors offices, and many other traditional healthcare settings. Nurses are also often required to work rotating shifts and odd hours.
Most, but not all of Critical Care Nurses in the U.S. are registered nurses. With proper experience and training, these nurses can play significant roles in treating Critically ill patients. Prospective nurses must complete an Associate or Bachelors degree in Nursing, followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination. Nurses can then work for two years while continuing their education for Critical Care Nursing, and then acquire Critical Care Nursing certification from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
