How To Become A Critical Care Nurse

Step 1: Study Biology and Other Sciences

Aspiring Critical Care Nurses can prepare for this career during high school by studying biology, chemistry, and physics. Having a good understanding of the biological sciences may help students when they enter Nursing programs.

Step 2: Earn a Nursing Degree

There are three primary paths to becoming a Critical Care Nurse. Students may earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Students who already have a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate may apply to an accelerated ADN or BSN program. There are also BSN-to-MSN programs and accelerated programs for those who already have a Bachelor’s degree.

ADN programs typically take two years to complete and are the minimum requirement for becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). However, employers often prefer to hire Nurses with at least a Bachelor’s degree. Becoming a Critical Care Nurse may even require a Master’s degree.

Master’s programs typically require students to have a current RN license and a BSN degree. However, some programs may accept students with Associate’s degrees. Earning an MSN may take two years or longer, depending on your previous education. The shortest path includes a combination program that allows you to earn a BSN and an MSN in five to six years.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN

After earning a Nursing degree, Nurses need to pass the NCLEX-RN. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a comprehensive exam used by states to verify a Nurse’s skills and knowledge.

The NCLEX-RN contains multiple-choice questions. However, the number of questions varies. Everyone receives a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions. Each exam also includes 15 experimental questions that are not part of the score.

The exam covers a wide range of skills and knowledge related to Nursing. The largest portion of the test focuses on the management of patient care. The exam also covers physiological adaptation, pharmacological therapies, safety and infection control, and the reduction of risk.

Eligibility requirements vary by state, requiring aspiring Nurses to review the requirements of the nursing board of the state they plan on becoming licensed in. For example, some states require proof of the completion of a Nursing program before applicants can take the NCLEX-RN.

Step 4: Start Looking for Work

After passing the NCLEX-RN, Nurses can start looking for work. However, you may not immediately find work in a critical care unit.

Most Critical Care Nurses start as Registered Nurses (RNs) in non-critical areas of the hospital or at other healthcare facilities, such as community health clinics and private practices. After gaining two to three years of nursing experience, you may start looking for openings for Critical Care Nurses or earn additional certifications.

Step 5: Earn Additional Certifications

While certifications are voluntary for Registered Nurses, Critical Care Nurses are required to earn additional certifications. Most hospitals prefer to hire candidates who have the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification or the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification.

The PALS certification provides training for quickly assessing and stabilizing a pediatric patient during an emergency. The ACLS certification focuses on assessing and stabilizing non-pediatric patients, including teens and adults.

Along with the PALS and ACLS certifications, Critical Care Nurses often benefit from board certifications available through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. The AACCN offers 15 specialized certifications.

The three Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certifications are the most common options for Critical Care Nurses. Each CCRN certification provides training for the critical care of adult, pediatric, or neonatal patients. Maintaining these certifications typically involves a renewal process, which may require Nurses to complete continuing education (CE) courses or pass an exam every few years.

Step 6: Consider Continuing Your Education

Along with certifications, Nurses may choose to further their education. For example, the AACCN offers advanced certification for Nurses with the necessary experience.

Many Registered Nurses (RNs) also choose to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Becoming an APRN requires a Master of Science in Nursing. If you already have a BSN, you can complete a BSN-to-MSN program, which may only take one to two years.

Becoming an APRN provides additional career opportunities, more work responsibilities, and higher pay. You also qualify for additional certifications, such as the advanced certifications available through the AACCN.