Intensive care unit nurses, also referred to as critical care nurses, care for critically ill patients with life-threatening conditions or illnesses. Critically ill patients require an interdisciplinary team, with many physicians and healthcare providers at their side. ICU nurses typically only care for 1 to 2 ICU patients during a shift due to the patients’ high acuity.

ICU nurses work in

The primary responsibility of an ICU registered nurse is to provide comprehensive, direct care to critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. ICU registered nurses also have a range of responsibilities unique to this specialized field of nursing, including:

• Monitoring and assessing patients' conditions closely, including vital signs, laboratory results and responses to treatments.

• Administering medications and performing complex treatments and

Many RNs want to work in the ICU for various reasons. Some nurses enjoy the challenges it brings, while others like caring for critically ill people and feeling like they’re making a significant impact. Being an intensive care unit nurse has many benefits, including those listed below.

• Benefiting from High Demand: Since before the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout, ICU nurses have