Acute Care Nurses
Nursing
Acute Care Nurses provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. They care for pre- and post-operative patients, perform advanced invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, and diagnose acute or chronic conditions that could result in rapid physiological deterioration or life-threatening instability.
Working conditions
These nurses typically work in hospital acute care units, emergency departments, and surgical units where they provide intensive patient monitoring and complex care. The work involves fast-paced environments requiring rapid assessment and intervention, collaboration with physicians and healthcare teams, and shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays to provide continuous patient coverage.
Academic requirements
This occupation requires a registered nursing degree (associate or bachelor's degree in nursing) and an active RN license. Many positions prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and certification in specialty areas such as Medical-Surgical Nursing (RN-BC) or Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) through professional nursing organizations.
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Typical salary range
$58K - 107K
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Years Higher Education
2 - 4
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Job Outlook
Excellent