[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]2-4 years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]ADN or BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook for RNs:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]5% growth from 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each year, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.sccm.org/Communications/Critical-Care-Statistics” target=”_blank”]more than 5 million patients[/hen-ui-link] are admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in the U.S. These patients receive care administered by trained physicians and critical care nurses (CCNs) for life-threatening conditions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Due to the complex nature of these conditions, it is crucial that there are qualified healthcare professionals who can provide their expertise to help with critical care responsibilities. One such role is [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/critical-care-nurse/”]critical care nurse[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provided within this career guide is an overview of critical care nursing, critical care nurse requirements, and ways to pursue a CCN career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Critical Care Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/critical-care-nurse/”]career as a critical care nurse[/hen-ui-link] means providing care to patients who have immediate, life-threatening illnesses or injuries. They work in fast-paced environments such as ICUs, pediatric ICUs, and cardiac care or telemetry units. CCNs can also work in cardiac catheterization labs, progressive care units, emergency departments, and postanesthesia care units.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Duties carried out by critical care nurses include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assessing, implementing, and coordinating patient care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Preparing, administering, and recording treatment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assisting patients with physician-developed education plans[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitoring patients’ vital signs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Helping evaluate tests to determine patients’ conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aiding physicians during examinations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Initiating corrective measures and modifying treatment as needed[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Communicating with patients’ families about treatment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborating with various healthcare disciplines to facilitate care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Critical Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a critical care nurse starts with earning either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) degree. Prospective nurses must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/ways-to-get-professional-nursing-experience///”]gaining experience as a nurse[/hen-ui-link], aspiring critical care nurses can then become a certified critical care registered nurse holding the credential of CCRN through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). However, critical care nurses can earn other certifications as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specific program guidelines and licensure requirements may vary depending on the state and/or employer.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Earn an ADN or a BSN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]An ADN[/hen-ui-link] provides students with the knowledge and critical skills needed in the field of nursing. An associate program typically takes two years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]BSN program[/hen-ui-link] is for those planning to advance within the profession or who need to meet the requirements of their state (like New York). Most employers prefer BSN-holders. The program typically takes four years to complete. ADN nurses can earn [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/top-advantages-of-a-bsn-degree//”]their BSN[/hen-ui-link] in two years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Pass the NCLEX exam[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]The NCLEX[/hen-ui-link] assesses a nurse’s ability to apply their knowledge and analyze nursing practice scenarios rather than simply recalling information. The exam is broken down into four categories: safety and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Gain experience in critical care nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once becoming a licensed RN, nurses may pursue entry-level positions in critical care nursing such as an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/critical-care-nurse/how-to-become/”]ICU nurse[/hen-ui-link]. RNs generally work for two years gaining experience with patients who have a range of conditions. After supplementing their knowledge with experience, RNs have the opportunity to become a certified critical care nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Consider certification in a critical care speciality or becoming a certified critical care RN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though not necessary, CCRN certification can open doors to other opportunities like being a code nurse or a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/flight-nurse/”]flight nurse[/hen-ui-link]. Also, Magnet hospitals typically encourage certification to maintain its Magnet status. Other certifications in critical care offered by AACN include cardiac medicine, progressive care, and teleICU.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification affirms that the nurse has met AACN requirements and passed the necessary exam. It highlights that they have achieved an advanced level of clinical knowledge.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Find employment[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimating that there will be a 5% increase in nursing positions between now and 2034, there are many potential employment opportunities. Open positions can be found on career websites, such as Indeed and Glassdoor, or on the [hen-ui-link href=”https://careers.aacn.org/” target=”_blank”]AACN website[/hen-ui-link]. Checking the websites of local hospitals and healthcare facilities can also provide information on job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Critical Care Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are a variety of educational paths and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//fastest-paths-to-becoming-a-nurse/”]nursing programs[/hen-ui-link] for those interested in becoming a critical care nurse. While earning an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]ADN[/hen-ui-link] is the minimum needed to work as a critical care nurse, some employers prefer their employees to hold a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses interested in the [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] role may earn their master of science in nursing (MSN) degree in a [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nurse practitioner program[/hen-ui-link]. Nurse practitioners can specialize their [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]MSN degree[/hen-ui-link] in critical and acute care and become certified as [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/acute-care/”]acute care[/hen-ui-link] nurse practitioners.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN is best suited for those who want to start working in the field within a short amount of time. The shorter length also makes the ADN program more affordable. While an associate degree is the minimum requirement for the NCLEX and to receive RN licensure, a BSN may be preferred or even required by some employers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading]Prospective ADN students must have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Students can also be admitted if they have earned their GED certificate.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Program Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading]Curriculum usually consists of microbiology, anatomy, pharmacology, nursing principles, psychology, and clinical experiences. The program mainly focuses on clinical skills and lab training.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Time to Complete[/hen-ui-heading]Two years[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Skills Learned[/hen-ui-heading]Like BSN learners, students will be able to identify basic medical terminology, understand legal and ethical issues in healthcare, measure a patient’s vital signs, administer medication, and perform various medical procedures.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing a BSN program provides prospective nurses with a wider range of [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/things-you-can-do-with-a-nursing-degree/”]RN job options[/hen-ui-link] upon graduation, which also leads to positions with higher salaries. As nursing continues to progress technologically and new techniques are being developed, earning a BSN becomes increasingly beneficial in the long term.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN is also an option for nurses who have already received an ADN, as they only need to attend two additional years of schooling to earn the more advanced degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading]BSN programs require applicants to have a high school diploma and proficient ACT and SAT scores. Some programs also require applicants to provide a writing sample and letters of recommendation.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Program Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading]BSN programs offer many of the same courses as an ADN. However, the more advanced degree also offers courses in management, public health, nursing theory, and informatics. Like the ADN, the BSN helps students build clinical skills; however, the curriculum also includes training in research, management, and leadership.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Time to Complete[/hen-ui-heading]Four years (two for ADN-holders)[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Skills Learned[/hen-ui-heading]Students can assess patients, manage acute care situations, plan treatment, effectively communicate with patients and their families, and carry out patient care plans. While ADN nurses share the same skills, BSN nurses generally graduate with more clinical hours.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RN Licensure and Critical Care Nurse Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To work as a critical care nurse, prospective nurses must first earn their RN license after completing an associate or a bachelor’s program. Upon graduating, students can earn their license after passing the NCLEX. Nurses are typically expected to work as an RN for two years before completing the necessary steps to earn critical care certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To be eligible for an RN license, nurses must first earn an ADN or a BSN. Upon completion of the program, they typically are eligible to take the NCLEX. It is best to check with the state’s nursing regulatory board to determine if there are additional requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.kaptest.com/nclex/what-is-the-nclex-rn” target=”_blank”]Kaplan Nursing[/hen-ui-link], the NCLEX includes multiple choice, multiple response, fill in the blank, hot spots, chart/exhibit, and drag and drop questions. The exam mainly focuses on applied practice and the analysis of various healthcare scenarios.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Test-takers must register for the exam about six weeks before graduation. The test is available year round and costs $200.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Critical Care Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become certified in critical care, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/ccrn-adult” target=”_blank”]AACN requires[/hen-ui-link] nurses to have an active and unencumbered RN license and meet one of the following critical practice hour options:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum of 1,750 hours caring for critically ill patients within their last two years of service, with half of those hours completed within the most recent year[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum of 2,000 hours caring for critically ill patients within their last five years of service, with 144 of those hours completed within the most recent year[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical hours must have been completed in either a United States or Canadian facility, and they must be verified by a clinical supervisor. Certification costs $245 for AACN members and $360 for nonmembers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Critical Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, RN positions are expected to increase approximately 5% by 2034, which means an additional 189,100 openings each year. The position also has a median salary of $93,600, with the top 10% earning $135,320. With an aging population the need for healthcare professionals should continue to rise.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To find a job as a critical care nurse, prospective nurses can check the AACN website or visit local hospital websites. Job searchers can also visit job board sites such as Indeed or Glassdoor to look for positions that are available nationally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the responsibilities of a critical care nurse are similar regardless of where they work, some duties may differ based upon the setting:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700 text-xl”]Pediatric ICU[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Care for critically ill children (under 18)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Meet children’s physical needs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cater to the developmental and emotional needs of children[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborate with parents and guardians[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700 text-xl”]Neonatal ICU[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide specialized care that helps premature or sick newborns progress[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitor infants’ progress and recovery[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Teach parents about their baby’s condition and how to care for them[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700 text-xl”]Burn Care Unit[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Treat and monitor burn wounds[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Stabilize acutely burned patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assess physical, emotional, and psychological trauma[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educate patient’s family on ongoing care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Critical Care Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What degree is best to become a critical care nurse?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When deciding to become a critical care nurse, the best degree depends on the person’s professional goals. While an ADN program can be completed within a two-year timeframe, earning a BSN provides nurses with more professional opportunities and higher salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How can you gain experience in critical care nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To gain experience in critical care, nurses should seek employment in a general ICU or a specialty ICU in a clinical area that interests them. Doing so provides them with the background needed to deal with the treatment of patients in critical or terminal conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you earn a BSN or an ADN online?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is possible to earn an ADN or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]BSN online[/hen-ui-link]; however, it is important to verify that the online program is fully accredited. Visit the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenursing.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE” target=”_blank”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education[/hen-ui-link] to find accredited nursing programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is certification required to become a critical care nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. Certification is optional but can be beneficial. The CCRN is one option, but there are many certifications CCNs can get depending on their specialty. For example, if a critical care nurse works in a neurosurgical ICU, they might want to become a certified neuroscience registered nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Reviewed by:[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, CCRN, RN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale/v1629922631/experts/Shrilekha_Deshaies.jpg” img-alt=”Shrilekha Deshaies, MSN, CCRN, RN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrilekha-deshaies-57008133/” target=”_blank”]Shri Deshaies[/hen-ui-link] MSN, RN, CCRN, is a nurse educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. She is a certified critical care nurse and has worked in various surgical intensive care units, including cardiovascular, trauma, and neurosurgery. Her passion for health equity led her to becoming a community [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/home-healthcare-nurse//”]home health nurse[/hen-ui-link]. She is a founding member of Nurses Serving our Neighbors which advocates for the homeless population. Deshaies recently completed a course to become a faith community nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Shrilekha Deshaies is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. [hen-ui-link href=”/healthcare-review-partners//”]Learn more about our review partners[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]