If you are considering a career as an intensive care unit (ICU) or critical care unit (CCU) nurse, then you should know that these are challenging specialties. At the same time, however, they can be extremely rewarding, as you’ll work in a fast-paced environment helping some of the most vulnerable patients as they heal or enter end-of-life care. Here is more on what you should know about working in the ICU or CCU and what it can mean for your nursing career.
Key Responsibilities of ICU/CCU Nurses
To do well as an intensive care or critical care nurse, it’s important to understand all these roles entail. To start with, ICU and CCU nurses work with patients who have experienced or are experiencing life-threatening conditions. Some of those conditions could include:
- Heart attacks
- Post-operative complications
- Strokes
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
Many times, people in these wards require life-supporting technologies, like intra-aortic balloons or ventilators, and they need consistent, regular attention. Sometimes, their conditions can change rapidly from one minute to the next.
ICU and CCU nurses may work in one of several settings, including:
- Hospital-based intensive care units, such as pediatric ICUs or post-surgical ICUs
- Specialized critical care units, such as those specifically for cardiac events
- Step-down units
- Rehabilitation or home-care arrangements
- Emergency departments
Each of these settings has its own benefits and drawbacks, which may take some time to become familiar with. Those interested in ICU or CCU care should consider the fast-paced nature of critical care and the need for strong emotional resilience and excellent clinical skills.
Steps to Become an ICU or CCU Nurse
For nurses who believe working in the ICU or CCU is the right path for them, getting into this nursing career takes time and knowledge. ICU or CCU nurses need at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). They will also need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).
After getting licensed, potential ICU/CCU nurses need to begin working in a related care setting like acute care, intensive care, or critical care. With verifiable clinical practice hours and proof of critical care experience, nurses can then go on to get certified to work in the ICU or CCU.
While it is possible to become an ICU/CCU nurse without a critical care certification, it is better to have the Critical Care RN certification offered through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Having this shows competency in high-stress environments requiring specialized knowledge.
Top Reasons to Work in ICU/CCU Nursing
Becoming a CCU or ICU nurse comes with benefits — these are in-demand roles with competitive salaries. Average hourly ICU nurse salaries are approximately $33.85, and in the highest-paid roles in California, the rate averages $51.01 per hour. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests slightly higher rates for RNs with bachelor’s degrees, showing a median salary of $45 per hour. ZipRecruiter reports an average salary of $94,610 for critical care nurses, which also averages out to $45. Location will have an impact, as will education and other negotiations.
Another benefit of working as an ICU or CCU nurse is that the field is growing. In 2023, the last reported data showed that there were 3,300,100 registered nurse roles in the U.S. Those roles are expected to grow by six percent by 2033.
Top Locations for ICU/CCU nurse jobs include:
- California: California is among the highest-paying locations to work as a critical care or ICU nurse, with an average pay of $51.01 per hour.
- New York: New York is a busy hub with multiple hospital systems and many job opportunities. Nurses in New York can work with people of all backgrounds, including international patients.
- South Carolina: ICU nurses earn an average of $2,118 per week in South Carolina.
- Tennessee: Tennessee pays approximately $37 an hour to ICU nurses, but its unique location means nurses can work with specific kinds of injuries that may not be found as often in other parts of the country.
- Kentucky: Kentucky is home to multiple in-demand hospital systems, including the state’s only Level 1 trauma center.
- Ohio: Ohio is home to renowned hospital systems, including pioneering efforts in cardiovascular care.
- Arizona: From competitive salaries and benefits to ample professional development opportunities, Arizona offers a wealth of advantages for nurses looking to enhance their careers in critical care.
- Missouri: ICU nurses in Missouri earn an average of $38 per hour and may appreciate a lower cost of living to go with a relatively high wage.
- Illinois: The average pay for an ICU nurse in Illinois is $39.70 per hour. This may be higher in some places, such as within the city of Chicago.
- Texas: Texas, after only California, employs the largest number of RNs in the country (325,620) as of the latest numbers (2022).
Additionally, when considering an ICU or CCU role, nurses should know that there is room to grow their careers. ICU or CCU nurses can become charge nurses, nurse managers, educators, or work in advanced practice roles. There is also the potential to specialize in different kinds of critical care, such as neonatal (NICU), pediatric (PICU), or critical care transport, depending on each nurse’s preferences for travel nursing, working with specific conditions, and other factors.
Critical Care Nursing Jobs at SHC
Pursuing a nursing career in intensive or critical care is not just a job; it’s fulfilling a calling. ICU and CCU nurses need to have strong compassion, excellent skills, and the ability to be resilient. It takes a special person to take on this kind of healthcare role.
At Supplemental Health Care, we understand that nurses want to find a job that fits their goals and needs. Our helpful team is here to connect you with world-class employers across the United States, whether you find that working in critical or intensive care is right for you. Find your next nursing role on our job board, or reach out, and we will be happy to help you take the next step in your career.
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