Job Description of a CCU RN
A critical care unit or intensive care unit nurse is a registered nurse who cares for critically ill or unstable patients, usually in a hospital, but in many other settings as well. The CCU RN provides continuous monitoring and assists in any necessary interventions.
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Job Duties
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CCU patients typically require complicated physical assessments and intensive therapy. CCU RNs act as the primary patient advocate. They administer all prescribed medications and other treatments, and monitor patients along with their ventilation and cardiac support equipment.
Considerations
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CCU patients are seriously injured or gravely ill, and the CCU RN provides emotional support to these patients as well as to their families.
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Education
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CCU RNs are experienced nurses with specialized training. Increasingly, employers prefer these nurses to have advanced education, such as a master's of science in nursing or even a doctorate degree. Some employers prefer national certification in adult, pediatric and/or neonatal critical care (CCRN). Click the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses link in References for certification information.
Specialty
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CCU RNs may work in a specialty unit. This could be a pediatric, surgical, cardiac, organ transplant, neurological or burn unit.
Salaries
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As of 2009, the median salary for CCU RNs in 2009 was about $62,600, according to Salary.com. The middle 50 percent of earners in these positions were making between about $57,000 and $69,000 annually.
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