- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Critical care nurse
Critical care nurse
A critical care or ICU nurse takes care of patients who are in a critical condition or recovering from a serious medical condition.
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Required education
MSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Higher salary
Earn more by having advanced skills and responsibilities.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
What is the role of a critical care nurse?
You’ll need to be able to assess patients and make decisions quickly in life or death situations.
What you’ll do as a critical care nurse
Evaluation
You’ll assess and make decisions about a patient’s condition.
Assessment
You’ll explain medical procedures and treatments, and give updates to your patients’ loved ones.
Treatment
You’ll monitor the critical condition of patients, which includes operating life support systems.
Where you’ll work as a critical care nurse
Critical care nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Critical care units
- Flight units
- Intensive care units
How to become a critical care nurse
Get an Associate of Science (ASN), Bachelor of Science (BSN), Master of Science (MSN), or Doctorate in Nursing.
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Individual institutional requirements may include higher nursing degrees, previous experience, or national nursing certification.
Critical care nurse career resources
Become a member of a critical care nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Related nursing specialties
Travel nurse
A travel nurse works for an independent staffing agency, filling temporary positions from eight to thirteen weeks in the U.S. and one to two years abroad.
Emergency nurse
An emergency nurse takes care of patients in a wide range of situations, from fevers, to minor injuries and major trauma.