- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Pulmonary care nurse
Pulmonary care nurse
A pulmonary care or respiratory nurse treats patients who are suffering from lung and respiratory conditions.
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Required education
MSN
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
What is the role of a pulmonary care nurse?
You’ll care for people with both acute and chronic illnesses such as such as asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia, emphysema and lung cancer.
What you’ll do as a pulmonary care nurse?
Collaboration
You’ll work with your patients’ healthcare team, including therapists and doctors.
Education
You’ll teach people how important it is to exercise and avoid activities that increase risk, like smoking.
Treatment
You’ll perform tests, manage patients’ medications and other treatments, and administer oxygen therapy.
Where you’ll work as a pulmonary care nurse
Pulmonary care nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Assisted living facilities
- Clinics
- Home care agencies
- Hospitals
- Long-term care centers
- Military or government facilities
- Private offices
How to become a pulmonary care nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
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.
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.
Get your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
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.
There’s no specific certification for a pulmonary nurse.
You can earn a critical care certification through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses or a credential in Certified Pulmonary Function Technology through the National Board for Respiratory Care.
You’re ready to work as a pulmonary care nurse.
Pulmonary care nurse career resources
Become a member of a pulmonary care nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
American Thoracic Society
American Thoracic Society
Related nursing specialties
Cardiac care nurse
A cardiac care nurse cares for patients with heart diseases or conditions, from coronary artery disease to heart failure and recovery from bypass surgery.
Geriatric nurse
A geriatric nurse assists doctors in taking care of the mental and physical health of older patients who are at greater risk of injuries and diseases.