Critical Care Nurse
Caring for patients who are critically ill presents many complex
problems that are addressed through skilled nursing care and advanced
medical technology. Nurses who work in a critical care environment—also
known as intensive care units or ICU’s—must have specialized knowledge
and skills to practice in this area. These nurses typically have only
one of two patients each day as each patient requires intensive care and
frequent monitoring.
Critical care nurses generally training beyond basic licensure to provide care to critically ill patients and their families. They function extremely independently as they must make quick decisions based on rapidly changing patient status and must also have specific knowledge of the sophisticated technology used with seriously ill patients. Certification is offered in critical care nursing.
Intensive care units are often specialized by type in larger hospitals, which may have several ICUs specializing in the care of different types of patients. Practice settings are often in hospitals where critically ill patients are cared for in specialized units such as intensive care units (ICU), pediatric intensive care units (PICU), neonatal intensive care units (NICU), and surgical intensive care units (SICU). Critical care nurses are also qualified to work in cardiac care units, trauma units, emergency departments, and recovery rooms. These nurses may also serve in outpatient surgery centers, clinics, and medical flight units.
Associations:
American Association of Critical Care Nurses
101 Columbia
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-1491
800-899-2226
949-362-2000
E-mail: info@aacn.org
Web Site: http://www.aacn.orgSociety of Critical Care Medicine
8101 East Kaiser Boulevard, 3rd Floor
Anaheim, CA 92808-2259
877-291-7226
E-Mail: info@sccm.org
Web Site: http://www.sccm.org
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