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What does a Critical Care Nurse do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A critical care nurse is a registered nurse who provides care for patients in a critical or intensive care unit. These nurses work with patients who are critically ill or injured and their families. They provide care and support to patients and families during a time of crisis.

Critical Care Nurse job duties include:

  • Assess patient condition and monitor changes
  • Administer medications and treatments
  • Communicate with patients and families
  • Coordinate with other members of the healthcare team
  • Keep accurate patient records
  • Monitor vital signs
  • Perform diagnostic tests
  • Provide emotional support
  • Respond to emergencies

Critical Care Nurse Job Requirements

A critical care nurse is a registered nurse who has specialized training in caring for patients who are critically ill or injured. Critical care nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) and provide care to patients who are suffering from life-threatening conditions. They are responsible for monitoring patients' vital signs, administering medications, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. Critical care nurses must have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing and must be certified in critical care nursing. They must also have experience working in an ICU setting.

Critical Care Nurse Skills

  • Patience
  • Communication
  • Attention to Detail
  • Compassion
  • Critical Thinking
  • Empathy
  • Flexibility
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Leadership Skills
  • Organizational Skills
  • Stress Management

Related: Top Critical Care Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Critical Care Nurse

A critical care nurse is a registered nurse who provides care for patients in a variety of settings, including intensive care units, emergency rooms and step-down units. Critical care nurses must be able to quickly assess a patient’s condition and provide treatment accordingly. They must also be able to effectively communicate with other members of the healthcare team, as well as the patient’s family.

To become a critical care nurse, one must first obtain a registered nursing license. This can be done by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Once licensed, nurses can then pursue specialized training in critical care nursing. Many hospitals offer critical care nursing courses that can be completed in as little as six weeks. After completing a course, nurses must then pass the CCRN exam to earn their certification in critical care nursing.

Related: Critical Care Nurse Resume Example

Related: Critical Care Nurse Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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