Your Acute Care Nurse Career

To qualify for acute care nursing jobs, you’ll need to:
 
1. Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain state licensure.
3. Gain at least 2 years of experience in an acute care or hospital setting.
4. Become certified through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

As an acute nurse, you have several unique specialties to choose from, including:
 
●  Medical-Surgical: Care for patients with a wide range of conditions pre and post-operation.
●  Emergency Room: Save lives by providing immediate care to patients with acute injuries or illnesses.
●  Operating Room: Assist during surgeries, ensuring a safe and sterile environment.

You can also find acute care nursing jobs in:
 
●  Trauma Units
●  Sub-Acute Units
●  Intensive Care Units
●  Urgent Care Centers
●  Cardiology Practices
●  Nursing Home Facilities

On average, acute care nursing jobs pay an average salary of $83,300, according to Salary.com. This can vary from $73,000–$96,000 depending on location, experience, and education.

While acute care nursing jobs can be fast-paced, they pay equally in benefits:
 
●  Every day is different, increasing your career skills, experience, and satisfaction.
●  It’s hands-on. As an acute care nurse, you’ll have the opportunity and autonomy to work directly with patients to examine, monitor, and oversee their care.
●  There’s a high demand, meaning you can likely choose from different specialties and environments.
●  Salaries for acute care nurses are typically higher than most nursing jobs.
 
Each unit typically requires specific skills, experience, and certifications.

Ready to become an acute care nurse? Start gaining experience by:
 
●  Seeking internships or clinical rotations in acute care settings during your nursing education.
●  Applying for entry-level positions in hospitals or other acute care facilities.
●  Pursuing certifications or additional training relevant to acute care specialties.