ICU nurses usually are assigned to just one to three patients at a time because the patients need constant attention and care. ICU nurses must know how to check and record vital signs every 15 to 20 minutes as well as how to monitor life support equipment. They additionally must know how to clean and dress wounds and surgical incisions in addition to performing life-saving procedures. These professionals comfort patients' family members, assist doctors and administer medications. ICU nurse training programs teach students how to perform these duties.
Aspiring ICU nurses must first become a registered nurse. This involves completing a hospital-administered program that lasts three years, a two-year associate degree in nursing program or a four-year bachelor's degree program in nursing, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Courses in a registered nurse program cover topics such as microbiology, chemistry, physiology, anatomy and nutrition. Students also study psychology and other behavioral sciences. Students additionally must complete supervised clinical experiences in hospital departments and other medical facilities. Many nursing schools offer students exposure to critical care as well. Completion of a registered nurse program prepares students to become licensed, which requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination. In addition, registered nurses must complete any other requirements for state-issued licenses.
Although many nursing programs expose students to critical care, most of an ICU nurse's specialty education is provided through an employer, according to NurseSource.org. To meet the needs of ICU patients, most aspiring ICU nurses complete a critical-care training course or orientation on caring for critically ill patients. Advanced practice nurses, which include clinical nurse specialists who can provide patient care and expert consultations in this specialty, must earn a graduate degree in nursing.
Although certification is not necessary beyond a registered nurse license to be an ICU nurse, many ICU nurses pursue voluntary certification in this field. Individuals with two years of professional experience can take an exam administered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) to become certified. The AACN also offers an advanced practice certification for clinical nurse specialists.
The demand for ICU nurses remains strong as small hospitals have ICUs and larger hospitals have specialized care units such as those for surgical, pediatric or neonatal patients. Employment of registered nurses, which include ICU nurses, is projected to climb by 22 percent through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average ICU nurse salary in 2010 was $68,351, according to CBSalary.com, Career Builder's salary information site.