- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Subacute nurse
Subacute nurse
A subacute nurse looks after seriously ill or injured patients who require 24-hour care for a short period of time.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
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 subacute nurse?
You’ll provide goal-oriented care for patients of all ages, but frequently the elderly, until they are stable enough to be moved to a lower level of care.
What you’ll do as a subacute nurse
Monitoring
You’ll keep a close eye on your patients throughout the day, checking and recording vital signs and performing physical examinations.
Treatment
You’ll care for wounds, help manage pain, administer medication, perform daily hygiene tasks, and develop care plans.
Resuscitation
You’ll use life-saving equipment like defibrillators and ventilator support.
Where you’ll work as a subacute nurse
Subacute nurse work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Subacute units
How to become a subacute nurse
Get an Associate’s Degrees 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 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.
Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining experience in Acute Care and taking continuing education courses in Rehabilitation and Pharmacology.
You’re ready to work as a TKNAME!
Related nursing specialties
Telemetry nurse
A telemetry nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in monitoring and caring for patients who require continuous cardiac and vital sign monitoring but do not require intensive or critical care.
Rehabilitation nurse
A rehabilitation nurse cares for patients who have chronic illnesses or long-term disabilities.