Critical care nursing is a field that focuses on caring for patients suffering from a life-threatening illness. Or, they have been a victim of a serious accident. Because of their typically unstable and volatile condition, these patients are admitted to Intensive Care Units or other Emergency Departments where they can be closely monitored by a critical care nurse.
Why you should go for a Critical Care Nursing Course
Critical Care Nursing is a challenging responsibility and yet is highly rewarding. Here are a few reasons why you should consider opting for a critical care nursing course.
Good wages
Critical Care Nurses require specialized training and in-depth knowledge to perform their intense job responsibilities. As a result, their salary is usually higher compared to registered nurses. The national average salary of a critical care nurse is around $69,110 while managers or directors can earn an average of $93,000.
Number of job opportunities
After getting a critical care nursing certification, a critical care nurse can work in a wide variety of settings that include neurocare ICU, pediatric ICU, cardiac ICU, progressive care units, oncology ICU, emergency departments, telemetry units, neonatal ICU, post-operative recovery rooms, and outpatient surgery centers.
Work environment
These nurses are offered a flexible work environment. Apart from working in care facilities and private practices, the most common place for this profession is a hospital, where they can work in the intensive care unit and the emergency room. Critical care nurses are responsible for taking care of patients with major illnesses or injuries that require immediate attention.
The field of critical care nursing is expected to grow approximately 26% by 2020. That’s why it is a perfect career choice for aspiring nurses.
As a critical care nurse working in a medical facility, you are responsible for assessing the patient’s condition and implementing the care plan accordingly. In addition to this, there are other roles that a critical care nurse has to play while providing care to patients. Responsibilities include –
Providing advanced life support to patients
- Administering medications as prescribed by the physician
- Observe and record the patient’s vital signs
- Assist physicians during patient treatment
- Order the required diagnostics and lab tests
- Ensure that ventilator and other necessary equipment work properly
- Provide education and support to patients as well as family members
A critical care nurse also acts as a liaison between the patient, the physician, and the family members. A nurse needs to have proper knowledge, understanding, and ability to provide the right support and guidance. To become a critical care nurse in Canada, you can join Graduate Certificate in RN – Critical Care Nursing program at Niagara College, offered by INSCOL.
It’s your time to shine on.
