Clinical Decision Unit Nurse Career Guide
Looking for a different career guide?
Overview
Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) RNs are specialized nurses who work in a dedicated unit within a hospital where patients receive further observation and evaluation before being admitted to a hospital floor or discharged home. CDU RNs play a crucial role in assessing patients' conditions, monitoring their progress and making critical decisions regarding their care plans. They provide high-quality
Education
To become a CDU RN, aspiring nurses must complete a nursing program and obtain a nursing license. The most common educational path is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years to complete. BSN programs offer comprehensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and nursing care across various specialties, including clinical decision
Qualifications
Skills
Staff and Travel CDU RNs need a diverse set of skills to excel in their role. They must have a strong clinical knowledge base to assess patients' conditions and recognize any changes or deteriorations. Technical skills, such as conducting ECGs and administering intravenous medications, are essential for providing quality care in a clinical decision unit. Effective communication skills
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of a CDU RN is to provide comprehensive care to patients in the unit. They conduct thorough assessments of patients upon admission, monitor their vital signs and symptoms and collaborate with physicians to determine the most appropriate course of action. CDU RNs administer medications, perform diagnostic tests and document patient care thoroughly. They educate patients and their
Salary Insights
The average salary for a Clinical Decision Unit Nurse is $2,226.76 per week.
Last updated on November 22, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Pros & Cons
Pros of becoming a CDU RN include the opportunity to work in a fast-paced and intellectually stimulating environment, the chance to gain experience in various medical conditions and the potential for career growth in acute care nursing. This profession offers the satisfaction of making critical decisions that directly impact patient outcomes.
However, there are some challenges associated with this specialty. CDU
Some of the content on this page was enhanced using artificial intelligence.