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What is Critical Care Nursing?

The critical care nursing degree is defined as a branch of nursing emphasizing the care of unstable or critically ill patients following surgery, life threatening disease, or extensive injuries.  A Critical Care Nurse can specialize in a number of nursing fields and work in an array of environments including medical intensive care units, surgical intensive care units, general intensive care units, coronary care units, trauma intensive care units, burn units, cardiothoracic intensive care units, pediatric intensive care units, and emergency room trauma rooms.

Critical Care Nursing involves caring for critically ill patients by way of mechanical ventilation and intravenous medication.  A Critical Care Nurse will work directly with patients and help identify and solve problems with an attending physician.  The Critical Care Nursing profession fuses compassion, technology, science, and medicine into a fulfilling vocation.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$104,610

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

64.57%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

150,230

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Critical Care Nursing Degree

Duke University in Durham, NC, is an academic institution driven by a mission to provide above and beyond liberal arts education to undergraduate students, and to inspire them to become civic-centered leaders of the community. The Duke University School of Nursing offers an Critical Care (MSN) program, wherein graduate students can learn the highly-demanded skills of caring for adolescents and the elderly in various acute care settings in this 48-credit course, inclusive of 728 hours of clinical experience. The Critical Care Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (MSN) program is also available for those interested in delivering stellar nursing care to individuals in numerous primary care settings. This is a 42-credit course with 560 hours of clinical practice. Those seeking postgraduate programs can also look into the Critical Care Fellowship & Residency program, which includes two courses: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners: the Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Fellowship, and the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Residency in Primary Care for Veterans, with both courses having a concentration in the ethical and professional clinical care of the immuno-compromised elderly. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Virginia (UVA) in Richmond, VA, is a public university with a diverse selection of degree programs taught by experienced and distinguished faculty members who are eager to support the educational endeavors of all types of learners.  UVA’s School of Nursing offers the Critical Care and Acute Care CNS program for graduate learners, a full- or part- time course that trains its learners in becoming professionals in acute, critical, and specialty care units for individuals who are chronically ill. The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) program is another full- or part- time course for graduate learners eager to study on the advanced practices of providing professional care to adolescent and adult gerontology patients with acute or critical illnesses. Graduates of either course will be eligible for the adult-gerontology acute care NP certification exam administered by AACN or ANCC. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Vanderbilt University is a private research university based in Nashville, TN, and avails its learners a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs to choose from. Driven by a purpose of promoting positive change in society, Vanderbilt University offers a wide variety of excellent nursing degree programs and specialties to choose from. Among those specialties, anyone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing can pursue one of Vanderbilt’s Post-Master’s Certificate Programs (PMC) in Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care. These programs are suitable for those interested in handling complex and critical scenarios that involve fast-paced assessment and treatment for patients who are terminally ill. Vanderbilt’s PMC programs are required to complete all the instructional and clinic requirements of each course, with a minimum of 500 supervised hours in direct patient care. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

New York University in New York, NY, prides itself in being an urban institution that allows its students to be colored in with the city’s vibrant atmosphere while pursuing an education enriched with teachings of experienced professionals and innovators. NYU provides numerous academic programs that range from the liberal arts to the complex sciences, all open to an inclusive and diverse student environment. For those that aspire to provide quality, hands-on care for adult and elderly patients should apply to NYU’s Critical Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Program,or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program wherein applicants are expected to have a passion in preparing extensive critical care management for chronically ill individuals. Learners in this program will benefit from the highly experience-based curriculum that employs teaching techniques such as heightening one’s diagnostic reasoning and decision-making skills, applying modern methods with technology for practices such as suturing, central line placement, intubation and the like in order to fully immerse learners in real-world scenarios. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Rochester based in Rochester, NY, is a research university that cultivates a dynamic culture of challenging the boundaries of education in order to create valuable and innovative solutions for the benefit of society. With over 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs and certifications, Rochester’s Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program is a master’s degree program that allows individuals to specialize in one of their six concentrations, one of which is Critical Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), wherein learners will be trained in the accurate diagnosis and treatment for critically ill adult and elderly individuals, as well as learning how to prepare for situations that require for complex chronic specialty care. The program requires the completion of its 47 credits and 672 clinical hours, upon which completers of the course will be able to meet the challenges of putting learned theory to excellent medical practice. Another program is the Critical Care & Primary Care Specialty, wherein nurse practitioner students will learn how to diagnose and manage common acute and chronic primary health care problems for adults and the elderly in various healthcare settings while required to complete 45 credits and 672 clinical hours. 

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Miami (UM) in Coral Gables, FL, is a private research university with a diverse student population that strives for academic excellence by approaching various disciplines of education with a passion for learning.  UM’s School of Nursing & Health Studies has a master’s program that aims to prepare nurses to advance further in their professions by offering a varied selection of clinical specialties. UM’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP program trains nurses to learn how to provide proper care to patients who are acutely and critically ill in various acute care service settings. Students of this program are required to complete 37 credits in either one year or one and a half years of study, with the option of partaking in their online Advanced Practice Preparation (APP) for initial preparation in starting classes to prepare for graduate level advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology courses. UM’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP program teaches nurses to professionally and expertly assess and manage various illnesses and general health of individuals that span from adulthood to the elderly. Students will experience health care settings such as community health centers, private medical practices, home care, assisted living, long-term care settings, acute and chronic rehabilitation centers, and many more while completing this 35 credit course. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Case Western Reserve University is a research university with strong involvement in programs that cover the arts and sciences, engineering, health sciences, law, management and social work, all of which encourage its learners to think and create freely and progressively towards making a change for the better. Located in Cleveland, OH, Case Western University’s France Payne Bolton School of Nursing is an outstanding provider of nursing education, research, and practice. The university’s master’s program in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner teaches individuals to care for terminally ill patients that span the ages from late adolescence to the elderly, only requiring 41 hours of coursework and 600 hours of clinical practice over four semesters. The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program teaches learners to care for patients who are physiologically incapable, dependent on assistive technology, and require intense monitoring and carefully planned interventions for their health care. This program requires at least 39 credit hours and 700 hours of clinical practice.

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Saint Louis University (SLU) based in Saint Louis, MO, is one of the nation’s oldest Catholic universities with over 90 undergraduate programs, and more than 100 graduate programs, including specializations, minors and certificates that can advance you further in your academic and professional career. The university offers a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master’s Certificate program, an online course that requires only 2 visits to the SLU campus. Graduates of this course will become highly qualified nurses that are well-versed in safe and ethical patient-centered care in various acute care settings. In order to enroll in this course, a student must have a college GPA of 3.20 or higher, with a master’s degree in a nursing specialty. 

Acceptance Rate

58.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University at Buffalo (UB) in Buffalo, NY, a public university that serves as the flagship institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system and is a member of the Association of American Universities. UB’s School of Nursing offers undergraduate programs supported by robust curriculums accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Their Traditional BS Program is a 120-credit course that can be completed over a span of 4 years, where learners can attend classes on human physiology, nutrition, microbiology, concepts of acute care, and more.  The RN to BS Program is ideal for registered nurses who wish to advance further in their careers by enhancing their knowledge and skills in their field. This is a 32-credit course that can be completed either full- or part- time, with courses focused on the professional aspects of nursing such as health assessment, research, and complex acute care. The Nursing BS - Accelerated Program is a 59-credit degree option for those who graduated from a different course but want to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This 1-year program is highly demanding and focuses on the basic and advanced facets of nursing, as well as nursing management systems, especially for those with complex acute care health problems. 

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Loyola University Chicago is a Catholic university based in Chicago, IL, with a Jesuit education that emphasizes the value of knowledge, curiosity, global awareness, and a deep love for humanity.  At Loyola’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, they offer a robust academic program that accommodates more than 2,200 students who are eager to become professionals of the health sciences. In their Master’s program, one can become a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner or an Critical Care Primary Care Nurse Practitioner in order to learn how to provide excellent care to chronically ill adult or elderly patients in a variety of health care settings, delivered in a hybrid-curriculum format with several opportunities to have hands-on learning. Loyola also offers doctorate programs for individuals that desire to advance their careers as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners or as Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners wherein learners are sure to experience clinical situations in a fast-paced setting, supervised by Loyola’s expert faculty as they train and focus on developing the necessary critical thinking and decision making skills needed in order to handle complex and critical patient situations. 

Acceptance Rate

67.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of South Carolina (U of SC) in Columbia, SC, is a nationally ranked public university with a mission to cater to their learners’ academic pursuits through teaching, research, creative activity, and community engagement. U of SC’s College of Nursing has several nursing programs, one of which is their Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Master’s Program, a 46-credit, 8-semester program with coursework that can be completed online. This course equips its learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality complex acute care to elderly patients, as well as prepare students to undergo the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner exam administered by the American Nurse Credentialing Center, or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Enrollees in this program are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT, also known as The U, welcomes learners from all walks of life and harbors a strong initiative to mold them into leaders with a local and global mindset in creating solutions and innovations to benefit others. The U’s College of Nursing has a wide range of degree options to choose from, for undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate learners. The Nursing DNP and Critical Care (A/GACNP) program is a doctoral degree that trains its professional learners in the management of acutely ill patients, with evidence-based practice. Graduates of this program will be prepared to undergo the national certification from the American NUrses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACCN) The Nursing DNP Adult/Gerontology Primary Care program is another doctoral degree that trains nurse practitioners in providing ethical and professional primary care for individuals in the late adolescent to elderly population in a community setting. Graduates of this program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to partake in the national certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) and the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Creighton University in Omaha, NE, is a Catholic university committed to providing excellent education for its inclusive and diverse learning community. Creighton’s College of Nursing provides degree and certificate programs for those interested in becoming a practitioner to adult-gerontology acute care. Their Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing program supports registered nurses in developing advanced nursing skills appropriate for a variety of acute care settings. Graduates of this course will also be eligible candidates for the Certified Nurse Educator CNE exam, which is administered through the National League for Nursing. 

Acceptance Rate

73.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, is a Catholic university that has core values in the Lasallian heritage, and a wholesome, inviting academic environment for learners from all walks of life. The university’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an Adult Critical Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) program, a graduate course that prepares its students to provide professional and individualized management to acutely ill patients. This is a 46-credit course inclusive of 540 hours of clinical experience. The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is a course for those who wish to dive into the primary healthcare field for adolescents, adults, and the elderly in a wide variety of healthcare settings. This is a 46-credit course with 540 hours of clinical experience, where students can learn how to apply their learned theories in patient education, health promotion, and disease prevention. 

Acceptance Rate

63.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, is a Catholic, Jesuit university that avails students of a wide yet comprehensive selection of majors from undergraduate to postgraduate programs. Marquette University’s College of Nursing provides undergraduate and graduate programs for would-be or registered nurses with a curriculum laden with core values that emphasize leadership and professionalism. Marquette’s graduate program assists nurses that aspire to further their careers in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, by learning how to care for terminally ill patients from ages 13 and up in a variety of acute care settings with specialized techniques that will be taught throughout the course. Their Critical Care Nurse Practitioner program also highlights the importance in developing competent skills in providing evidence-based care as well as honing essential clinical skills such as assessment, diagnosis, and management of chronic and episodic health problems. Graduates of either program will find themselves prepared to partake in the national certification examination for the AGACNP. 

Acceptance Rate

82.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, is a Catholic university that cultivates a diverse and collaborative environment rich in creative academic pursuits. Their College of Nursing offers an MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online Program that prepares nurses for the in-demand practice of caring for adult and elderly populations in acute or primary care settings. Enrollees of this program will be able to choose a track in either Primary or Acute care and become eligible candidates for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care or Primary Care certification exams. This is a 48-credit course that can be completed in 3-4 years. 

Acceptance Rate

73.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA, is a liberal arts college predominantly for women, with a mission to mold its graduates into qualified professionals, ready to take on any career field with intellectual curiosity and excellence. The college’s School of Nursing offers a BSN-DNP Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program that has a high emphasis on clinical practice. This doctoral program awards its learners with both the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) upon graduation. Nurses in this course will become even more skilled in the advanced practices of managing acute, critical, and chronic health problems for adolescent to elderly patients. 

Acceptance Rate

60.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Barry University is a Catholic educational institution located in Miami, Fl, and has established its academic roots in the liberal arts tradition with a purpose to mold learners into individuals with a sense of communal service and a passion for knowledge and truth. Barry University has a range of degree programs for undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate students. Its Adult-Critical Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Master’s Program educates licensed nurses in administering advanced  patient care for individuals who are chronically ill. AGACNP is a recognized nursing program in South Florida and has a highly professional faculty of experienced practitioners in the field, as well as an experiential curriculum wherein students will be granted the opportunity to practice on-site. Registered nurses will receive a 25% tuition discount, and all learners are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience. 

Acceptance Rate

50.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Winona State University in Winona, MN is the oldest member of the Minnesota State System of colleges and universities with an affordable education program that includes multi-faceted learning in their numerous degree programs with opportunities for internships and community engagement. The university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Options offers a doctorate degree in their Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Program that educates nurses to become professionals who employ ethical and caring practices in order to create relationship-centered cares for chronically ill individuals in an expansive range of clinical settings. Learners of this program will be introduced to topics such as differential diagnosis and disease management, implementation of health policies, case management, and managing acute and critical health problems. Graduates will be eligible to partake in the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Acute Care NP exam or the American Academy of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) exam. 

Acceptance Rate

67.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Regis University in Denver, CO, is a Jesuit Catholic university that applies transformative education in its curriculum in order to produce ethical professionals that aim to excel in their chosen career fields. The university offers a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN program, a 44-credit course that can be completed online. This graduate degree program focuses on topics such as nursing theory, health care policy, ethics and leadership, as well as the careful and unique practice of a Neonatal Nursing Practitioner (NNP) Graduates of this program will become highly qualified professionals in providing acute care to high-risk newborns. 

Acceptance Rate

70.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Maryville University of Saint Louis in Saint Louis, MO, is a private university that promotes learner-centered education with an emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences. The university offers a wide variety of nurse practitioner degrees, one of which is their Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, a course that focuses on training its learners in becoming qualified holistic care providers for adult patients in acute care settings. There are four online programs to choose from, such as the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program, the BSN to DNP program with a concentration on Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, or an online post-master’s certificate in either program. Graduates of this course will be able to take an in-demand career in various practice settings, from public hospitals to private medical centers. 

Acceptance Rate

82.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

DeSales University in Center Valley, PA, is an academic institution grounded in its Salesian identity, which charges the academic atmosphere with positive, dedicated, and inclusive characteristics. The university offers an MSN degree in their Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) program, which can be completed full- or part- time, either in an online, in-class, or hybrid format. Upon graduation, graduates will become eligible to undergo the ADult-Gerontology CNS certification examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) This is a 45-credit program with 75 clinical laboratory hours and 525 clinical practicum hours. 

Acceptance Rate

78.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Youngstown State University (YSU) in Youngstown, OH, is a student-centered university with over 115 undergraduate programs, and more than 40 graduate programs, all of which are taught by highly qualified and professional experts.  Their Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner online program is a 45-credit hour course that prepares individuals with the in-demand skills of providing holistic and ethical care to acutely and chronically ill patients in acute care settings. Students are required to complete 540 hours of supervised clinical experience in approved healthcare delivery systems. Enrollees must have a BSN degree with a 3.0 GPA and at least 1 year of critical care experience. 

Acceptance Rate

67.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Arizona (UA) in Tucson, AZ, is a land-grant university that was established with a vision to tap into human potential and grow it to its fullest - In order to bring more creative solutions to big problems that challenge the quality of life in local communities, and the world. UA is the flagship institution in the State of Arizona and has more than 150 graduate programs that span vast areas of study. UA’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is available for individuals who are interested in growing their medical career by studying the advanced and highly valued practice of caring for acutely ill adults and the elderly. This program is offered on UA’s main campus or on their online campus (Arizona Online) There are no standardized tests required upon admission to the program, and learners are required to complete a minimum of 30 credit units, as well as fulfill 540 hours of clinical practice. 

Acceptance Rate

84.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Grand Canyon University (GCU) is established in Phoenix, AZ, and is a Christian educational institution that employs flexible learning options for their interdenominational student body. With over 200 programs, GCU offers programs where one can obtain a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, as well as continuing education programs for educators. In GCU’s Master of Science (MSN) in Nursing program, they offer an MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program that equips experienced nurses with the necessary capabilities required in order to provide top-quality level care in complex, acute, and critical settings for the terminally ill adults and geriatric individuals. Here, nurses will be able to push their skills to the boundaries of health care by completing 675 hours of supervised clinical practice, attending two on-campus experience programs and 53 credits of coursework. 

Acceptance Rate

76.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

What Does a Critical Care Nurse Do?

A critical care nurse share many of the same job responsibilities as an emergency room nurse or staff nurse with the added training for a myriad of critical care specializations. Critical care nurses will help physicians to actively monitor patients, provide necessary treatments, and provide basic healthcare.

CCNs will be tasked with monitoring and documenting changes in a patients health situation. Since patients in a critical care ward or intensive care unit are often exceptionally high need individuals, the frequency and intensity of care is more pronounced than many other types of nursing. Changes in health will prompt immediate communication to the charge nurse or attending physician to help determine the next course of action.

Critical care nurses may be called to quickly assess patients, succinctly communicate, and respond to emergencies accordingly. CCNs will be adept at performing CPR, First Aid, and the utilization of AEDs. Many Critical Care Nurses are customer-facing and directly engage with family members to explain complex medical situations and procedures in plain English with empathy and compassion.

How Do I Become a Critical Care Nurse?

In order to become a Critical Care Nurse, you will first need to obtain an RN, LPN, or LVN. The 6-step process to become a Registered Nurse is detailed on our RN resource page here to help you better understand the exact steps of the process. Some hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations will allow a Licensed Practice Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse to become a Critical Care Nurse, but these situations are not necessarily the norm. Nurse practitioner programs can be found at a number of quality colleges and universities. We suggest starting with our rankings and narrowing down your nursing critical care options from the list of highly regarded schools.

Top Degrees for Critical Care Nurses

You can earn a nursing degree online or on-campus depending on what works best for you and the schools academic offerings. In either case, earning any one of the following degrees will set you up to become a critical care nurse in your state of residence after successfully completing your states licensure requirements, successfully passing trade-specific standardized tests, requied critical care certification, and obtaining a license to practice in your state.

Critical Care Nurse Certificates

  • Certificates / Degrees conferred for: LVN, LPN
  • Certificate Program Duration: Typically, 12 months of full-time matriculation

Associate Degrees in Nursing

  • Degrees conferred for: ADN, AN, ASN, AAS
  • Associate Degree Program Duration: Typically, 2 years of full-time matriculation

Critical Care Nurse Bachelor Degree

  • Degrees conferred for: BSN, LPN to BSN, BN, BScN, LPN to RN, LVP to BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN
  • Bachelor Degree Program Duration: Typically, 2-4 years of full-time matriculation

Master Degrees in Nursing

  • Degrees conferred for: LPN to MSN, MSN, LVN to MSN, BSN to MSN, CNM, RN to MSN, CRNA, CNS, CNP
  • Master Degree Program Duration: Typically, 2 years of additional full-time matriculation

Critical Care Nurse Doctorate Degree

  • Degrees conferred for: DNP, DNS, PhD in Philosophy
  • Doctorate Program Duration: Typically, 2-4 years of additional full-time matriculation

Recommended Professional Certificates for a Critical Care Nurse

  • Critical Care Nursing - CCRN
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support - PALS
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support - ACLS

Top 5 Job Responsibilities of a Critical Care Nurse

We have culled the top five job responsibilities from a recent survey from the United States Department of Labor. The DOL surveyed critical care nurses from around the country to help shed light on their job duties and work responsibilities irrespective of job title variations. The top 5 responses from critical care nurses include:

  1. Establish & monitor medical devices and equipment
  2. Evaluate patients' vital signs or laboratory data to determine emergency intervention requirements
  3. Assess pain levels or sedation requirements via treatment plan.
  4. Monitor patients for improvements or degradation in health and perform appropriate interventions
  5. Administer necessary medications (via IV, orally, injection, gastric tubing, etc.)

Common Job Titles for Critical Care Nurses

We have complied is list of the most common job titles of critical care nurses from across the country. While the job titles may vary from region to region, the job responsibilities may be the same for a critical care nurse. The employment arrangement and breadth of job responsibilities have a direct impact on the overall job activities and work responsibilities. The most common job titles for a critical care nurse include:

  • Burn Center Nurse
  • Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Registered Nurse
  • Catheterization Laboratory Senior Manager
  • Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
  • Critical Care Unit Manager
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Intensive Care Unit Staff Nurse
  • Intensive Care Unit Nurse
  • Registered Nurse Supervisor (RN Supervisor)
  • Staff Nurse
  • Staff Nurse, Intensive Care Unit Resource Team

Nurse Specializations & Critical Care Settings

Critical care nurses will often specialize within a particular discipline of healthcare as part of their training programs. Specializing allows larger hospitals and medical organizations to rely on a few key individuals as the need arises. A list of common areas of specialization for a critical care nurse include:

  • Critical Care: CCU, SICU, and MICU
  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology -Hypertension,Heart Failure,Myocardial Infarctions
  • Trauma
  • Neurology
  • Transplantation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Nephrology
  • Pulmonology -Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD),Acute RespiratoryDistress Syndrome (ARDS)
  • Oncology: Solid Organ Tumors & Hematological
  • Neurosurgery

Where Do Critical Care Nurses Work?

The overwhelming majority of critical care nurses work in a hospital with a critical care unit and/or intensive care unit. That being said, there are critical care nurse specialists that work as transport nurses helping critically injured patients before arriving at a hospital or critical care unit.

Employment & Nursing Programs

Students earning a degree in critical care nursing will have the choice to remain in critical care or toggle to similar fields. The pace and demand of critical care nurses are similar from military installations to private hospitals. Alternatively, students who become a Registered Nurse can leverage that to migrate to various healthcare specialties. Examples of such specialties include virologist, medical biologist, medical assistant, biological technician, diagnostic medical sonographer, biomedical engineer, toxicologist, microbiologist, virologist, medical scientist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, radiobiologist, or vascular technologist.

Nurse Critical Care Salary & Career Outlook

The annual median income for a critical care nurse $68,450 or $32.91 per hour with an expected growth rate of 14% which is twice the national average for all jobs during the coming decade.  The U.S. Department of Labor estimate 1,088,400 job openings for critical care nurses during this same reporting period.

Similarly, Registered Nursing jobs are anticipated to spike 16% through 2026.  Overall, the degree of stability and professional opportunities in critical care appear to be growing steadily.  The demand for highly trained nurses will continue to increase as quality care and accessibility of healthcare grows.

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