Critical Care Nurse Job Description and Related Education

A critical care nurse provides care for patients with acute illnesses. Acquiring advanced knowledge and training is essential to pursuing a critical care nursing career. Generally, you will need:

  • An undergraduate nursing degree
  • Nursing license
  • Work experience
  • Graduate-level training
  • Certification

Undergraduate Nursing Degree

Completing a bachelor’s degree is your first step towards seeking a career as a critical care nurse. Typical courses may include general education, clinical nutrition and nursing ethics.

Nursing License

Successful completion of an approved undergraduate degree program can prepare to sit for the national examination for registered nurses. Each state’s board of nursing may have additional requirements before you can work as a registered nurse.

Critical Care Nursing Work Experience

After fulfilling the national and state requirements, you are eligible to work in a variety of specialty areas, including critical care hospital units.