Acute Care Nurse Career Guide

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Overview

Acute Care Registered Nurses (RNs) play a vital role in providing comprehensive and specialized care to patients with acute illnesses or injuries. These nurses work in fast-paced healthcare settings, such as emergency departments, intensive care units (ICUs), and post-surgical units. The essential job functions of an Acute Care RN include assessing and monitoring patients' conditions, administering medications, implementing

Education

Becoming an Acute Care RN requires obtaining a nursing degree and gaining licensure as a registered nurse. The educational background needed for this role includes completing either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The ADN program generally takes around two to three years to complete, while the

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Related certifications

To pursue a career as an Acute Care RN, individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse. Some healthcare facilities may have additional requirements, such as certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for working in specific acute

State licenses process and requirements

All 50 states require state licensure to become a professional nurse. Review the step-by-step process to obtain or renew your RN license in each one.
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Skills

To succeed as a staff or travel Acute Care RN, a combination of knowledge, hard and soft skills, and abilities is essential. Acute Care RNs should have a strong foundation in medical-surgical nursing and possess advanced knowledge in the specialty area they work in, such as cardiac care, trauma, or critical care. They need to be proficient in

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Responsibilities

Acute Care RNs have a range of responsibilities associated with their role. They assess patients' conditions, monitor vital signs, administer medications, and implement treatment plans. They collaborate with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and ensure timely interventions. Acute Care RNs provide patient and family education, explaining diagnoses, treatment options and post-discharge care instructions. They also

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Acute Care Nurse
$1,813-2,543/week

The average salary for a Acute Care Nurse is $2,178.90 per week.

Last updated on November 20, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Acute Care nursing offers several benefits and drawbacks. Some advantages include the opportunity to work in dynamic and challenging healthcare environments, the potential for professional growth and development, and the ability to make a significant impact on critically ill or injured patients. Acute Care RNs often work as part of a skilled interdisciplinary team, fostering collaboration and ongoing learning.

However, there

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Acute Care Nurse Jobs


View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Acute Care
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Acute Care

  • St. Louis, MO
  • Vibra Travels
  • 4x12 hrs, Nights

$3,210/week

View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Acute Care
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Acute Care

  • Ketchikan, AK
  • Access Healthcare
  • 3x12 hrs

$3,154/week

Posted 3 days ago
 Verified
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Float Acute Care
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Float Acute Care

  • Antioch, CA
  • KPG Healthcare
  • 3x12 hrs, Nights

$2,976/week

Estimated pay package
Posted Today
 Verified
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - Float Acute Care
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Float Acute Care

  • Antioch, CA
  • KPG Healthcare
  • 3x12 hrs, Days

$2,976/week

Estimated pay package
Posted Today

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