Critical care nursing
Critical care nursing provides care for patients that are seriously ill and reliant on life support equipment for their recovery. Critical care nursing can cover a variety of settings including coronary care, emergency and high dependency nursing areas. The critical care nurse working in the intensive care unit essentially cares for one patient and their family.
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What does a critical care nurse do?
On their arrival at the unit, the critical care nurse is allocated a patient. This may be a patient that they have cared for before or it maybe a new patient to them. This depends on the model of care that is used in individual units. After patient allocation the nurse proceeds to the bedside and receives a hand-over from the nurse caring for that patient on the previous shift. The nurse then completes a systemic assessment of the patient and commences to plan their care for the day. This is done in conjunction with the medical staff and other members of the health care team. Monitoring life support equipment, responding to changes in the patient's condition, administering medications, attending wound dressings, performing basic cares such as mouth care and verifying data on bedside computers are just some of the activities that are required to ensure that the patient is supported during their intensive care stay. On completion of the shift, the nurse hands over to the next nurse allocated care for that patient.
How do I become a critical care nurse?
After completing the nursing degree and gaining experience in the general hospital environment, a registered nurse is able to apply for a position in a critical care area. Depending on the unit and the hospital, graduate nurses may gain employment in a critical care area straight from university. However, at some hospitals, 12 months' postgraduate experience is preferred. Upon commencement in any public hospital intensive care unit in Queensland, the registered nurse is required to undertake a 'Complete the Transition to Intensive Care' program. This is a 12-month program and, upon successful completion, will provide a two-subject credit towards the Graduate Certificate in Critical Care. Registered nurses can then further their academic standing by enrolling in the Graduate Diploma or Masters of Critical Care programs. Click here to go to the list of postgraduate nursing courses.
What opportunities are available for critical care nurses?
Critical care nurses can take advantage of opportunities in areas of clinical expertise, critical care education, management, research and clinical information system management. These are just some of the branches that are available to registered nurses wishing to work in a critical care setting.
Where can I find more information on critical care nursing?
For more information on critical care nursing, contact the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN).
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