Critical & Clinical Nurse Specialist - Career Summary at a Glance

The role of a Critical and Clinical Care nurse primarily is caring for acute or critically ill patients in the best possible way to ensure that they receive optimum care. Critical care nurses work in the supervision of physicians under intense circumstances to save lives.

As per the AACN, it is seen that the term ‘critical care’ is often interchanged with ‘acute care’ however critical care cannot be separated from acute care and nurses of both the specialties care for patients suffering from life-threatening conditions.

Educational Requirements

To become a Critical Care nurse practitioner, candidate needs to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, clear the NCLEX exam and earn the title of a Registered Nurse. Then gain some experience in the clinical settings and an advance degree is required such asa master’s degree or a post graduate degree or a specialty program with a critical care concentration. Once candidate successfully completes these steps, is eligible for certification by the major national certifying bodies and can start working as critical & clinical care nurse practitioner.

Duties & Responsibilities of Critical Care Nurses

The duties and responsibilities of critical care nurse differ depending on healthcare setting they are working in, however these are the basic duties that they perform:

• Ordering necessary diagnostic and lab tests
• Creating a therapeutic environment for patients suffering from critical diseases
• Prescribing medications and pharmacological & non pharmacological treatments
• Assessment and implementation of complex care and interventions

Employment Outlook & Salary Trend

Critical Care nurses work in various Intensive Care Units such as: 

• Neurocare ICU
• Pediatric ICU
• Neonatal ICU
• Oncology ICU
• Cardiac ICU
• Telemetry Units
• Progressive Care Units
• Emergency Departments
• Outpatient Surgery Centers
• Post-operative recovery rooms

As per the report published by Critical Care Medicine, the average salary received by critical care nurses is $ 81,000 while critical care mangers or directors earned an average of $ 93,000. 

INSCOL in Partnership with leading Community Colleges in Canada offers specialized nursing programs for Nurses. It also offers Enhance Nursing Practice: Clinical & Critical Care for registered nurses in partnership with Conestoga College, Canada. This Course prepares nurses to care for patients who are suffering from life threatening diseases or have gone under some major surgery. After successful completion of course, Students also get clinical placements in top Canadian hospitals.

Find more information about the course here: 

http://www.canada.inscolacademy.com/courses/clinical-critical-care-nursing-program/