Critical Care Nurses
Provide specialized nursing care for patients in critical or coronary care units.
SOC: 29-1141.03
Common Job Titles
- Critical Care Nurse Practitioner
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
- ICU Nurse (Intensive Care Unit Nurse)
- Staff Nurse
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeSynthesize pharmacological knowledge with patient responses to vasoactive medications and sedation protocols when managing continuous medication infusions and titrating dosages in unstable patients.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate individualized nursing care plans addressing multi-system complications using electronic health record systems such as Epic or Cerner Millennium, while prioritizing interventions for critically ill patients.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate patient vital signs, hemodynamic parameters, and laboratory results in critical care and coronary care units, using advanced monitoring equipment to detect life-threatening changes.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze complex patient conditions and multi-system organ failure under high-acuity time-sensitive conditions, integrating medical knowledge and critical thinking to inform treatment decisions.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate advanced life support equipment including intravenous infusion pumps, mechanical ventilators, and cardiac monitors in critical care settings, responding to rapid changes in patient status.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute precisely invasive hemodynamic monitoring procedures and arterial line management following advanced critical care protocols with minimal supervision.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care with family emotional support during high-stress critical care situations involving end-of-life decisions and complex ethical considerations.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess neurological status, intracranial pressure, and consciousness levels using specialized monitoring tools and validated assessment scales in intensive care environments.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for patient safety and therapeutic interventions when collaborating with interdisciplinary critical care teams including physicians, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret electrocardiogram readings and cardiac rhythm abnormalities in coronary care units, recognizing arrhythmias and initiating appropriate interventions independently.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform emergency resuscitation procedures including defibrillation and advanced cardiac life support during cardiac arrest situations, coordinating crash cart equipment and team responses.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate respiratory support equipment including BiPAP, CPAP ventilators, and endotracheal suctioning devices following evidence-based respiratory care protocols to optimize patient oxygenation.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Critical Care Nurses (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,282,010
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $66,030. 25th percentile: U.S. $78,610. 50th percentile: U.S. $93,600. 75th percentile: U.S. $107,960. 90th percentile: U.S. $135,320. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $66,030 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $135,320 |
| Workers on average earn | $98,430 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry4.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Psychology4.1/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Biology3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Allscripts Professional EHR
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses AACN Medicopeia
- Amkai AmkaiCharts
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- Cerner Millennium
- ChartWare EMR
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Google Drive
Tools & Equipment
- Angiocaths
- Apnea monitors
- Arterial blood gas testing equipment
- Arterial line catheters
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Automated medicine dispensing equipment
- Autotransfusion systems
- Bed scales