How to become a critical care nurse

Is becoming a critical care nurse right for me?

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Overview
What do critical care nurses do?

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How to become a Critical Care nurse

Becoming a critical care nurse requires specific education and training. Here are the steps you can take to become a critical care nurse:

  • Complete a nursing program: To become a registered nurse, you must first complete a nursing program. There are two main options: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN typically takes two to three years to complete, while a BSN takes four years. Many employers require or strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses for critical care positions due to the complex nature of the work and the need for advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills.
  • Obtain a nursing license: After completing your nursing program, you will need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). The NCLEX-RN exam is a computerized test that measures your nursing knowledge and skills.
  • Gain nursing experience: Critical care nursing requires experience in an acute care setting, such as an intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency department (ED). Most employers require at least one to two years of nursing experience before hiring a critical care nurse.
  • Pursue specialized education: To specialize in critical care nursing, you can pursue certification or additional education. The AACN offers a certification program for critical care nurses, called the CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse). To be eligible for the CCRN, you must have at least 1,750 hours of direct bedside care in a critical care setting within the last two years, or 875 hours within the last year.
  • Apply for critical care nurse positions: Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can start applying for critical care nurse positions. Look for job openings in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Many critical care nurse positions require additional certifications, such as ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support).
  • Keep up with continuing education: As a critical care nurse, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest medical advances and technologies. Participate in continuing education programs, attend conferences, and read medical journals to stay informed. The AACN offers ongoing education opportunities for critical care nurses, including webinars, online courses, and conferences.

Certifications
There are several certifications available for critical care nurses that can enhance their expertise and improve patient care. Some of the certifications for critical care nurses are:

  • CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse): This certification is offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and is designed for nurses who work in adult, pediatric, or neonatal critical care units.
  • PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse): This certification is also offered by the AACN and is designed for nurses who work in progressive care units. These units typically care for patients who are stable but require close monitoring and interventions.
  • CSC (Cardiac Surgery Certification): This certification is offered by the AACN and is designed for nurses who work in cardiac surgery units. These units care for patients undergoing cardiac surgery or other complex procedures.
  • CMC (Cardiac Medicine Certification): This certification is also offered by the AACN and is designed for nurses who work in cardiac medicine units. These units care for patients with heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiac conditions.
  • ACNPC (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification): This certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is designed for advanced practice nurses who work in acute care settings.

Associations
The following associations offer resources, support, and networking opportunities for critical care nurses to enhance their knowledge and skills, stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field, and connect with other professionals in the same field.

  • American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN): AACN is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world and provides resources, education, and certification for critical care nurses.
  • Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM): SCCM is a global organization dedicated to improving the care of critically ill patients through education, research, and advocacy. It provides resources and training for critical care professionals.
  • National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS): NACNS is a professional organization for clinical nurse specialists and provides resources and education for critical care nurses who specialize in advanced practice.
  • American Nurses Association (ANA): ANA is the professional organization for registered nurses in the United States and provides resources and support for critical care nurses.
  • Emergency Nurses Association (ENA): ENA is a professional organization for emergency nurses, including those who work in critical care settings. It provides education, certification, and advocacy for emergency and critical care nurses.
  • Association of Critical Care Transport (ACCT): ACCT is a professional organization for nurses and other healthcare professionals who work in critical care transport, such as air or ground ambulance services.