Although the number of new registered nursing positions within intensive care units is not expected to grow as rapidly as other nursing specialties, the rate of staff turnover should continue to be high, providing ample opportunities for nurses who wish to specialize in critical care. Critical care nursing can be a stressful environment due to the severity of patients’ medical conditions and need for detailed attention. It also requires appropriate academic training through online nursing programs or campus programs in order to provide the high level of care necessary in an intensive care unit. However, the same factors that drive some professionals away from the intensive care unit are the same attractions that often draw other registered nurses to the practice of critical care.
What is Critical Care Nursing?
Graduates of online nursing program degrees who choose to specialize in critical care nursing treat patients who require intensive monitoring. Patients in critical care settings often require life support or organ support systems, such as mechanical ventilators and enteral nutrition. Critical care populations may include pediatrics, adults, or geriatrics. A registered nurse who specializes in critical care is often the health care professional that makes the decision to call the attending physician in emergency circumstances.
Required Education to Work in Critical Care Nursing
Although registered nurses may legally practice with a hospital diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree in nursing, employers most often prefer nursing professionals to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing through an online nursing program or campus program. A bachelor’s degree education provides registered nurses with the communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills essential for the expanding role of nursing professionals in the health care industry.
In response to the increased emphasis on advanced education for registered nurses, over 600 RN to BSN programs came into existence by the year 2004. Many online nursing schools are now offering online nursing program degrees that have been designed specifically for working registered nurses. For example, the University of Phoenix now offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that can be completed entirely through distance education while a student continues working as a registered nurse. Kaplan University also has an online nursing program that allows students to concentrate in a preferred specialty while completing an online nursing degree.
Qualities Necessary for Success in Critical Care Nursing
In general, nurses need to be caring, sympathetic, responsible, and detail-oriented. Critical care nurses should also be emotionally stable in order to deal with job stresses, such as crises, emergencies, and human suffering. Internship and on-the-job training while completing an online nursing program is necessary to gain the practical work experience required to practice as a critical care nurse.
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Westwood College isn't your typical institution of higher learning. With our career-focused education, students can earn a bachelor's degree in just three years and some associate degrees in as little as 20 months.
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With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work – and much sooner than you might expect.
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Whether you want to change or advance your career, Kaplan University will help you get the education you need for the life you want to live. Offering online flexibility, the personal attention of a campus-based experience, reduced costs, financial aid assistance, and a quicker path to your degree, Kaplan University is a smart choice for working adults.
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As an accredited university, Capella University takes online education to a higher level. We believe that real, life-changing learning happens in an environment of academic excellence, challenge, and personal connection.
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Founded in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a wide range of Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. Our institution of higher learning is focused on helping students acquire industry-current knowledge and skills as they pursue, build and advance their careers in many of today's most in-demand fields.
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Programs at Argosy University are geared to your lifestyle. Depending on the program you select, you may be able to choose from day, evening and weekend schedules. Many of our classes are accessible online providing outstanding instruction and resources no matter where you are or what time of day it is.
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Tags: health care, nurse, registered nurse, University of Phoenix
This entry was posted
on Monday, February 16th, 2009 at 11:47 am and is filed under Medical and Nursing.
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