Although all nurses are focused on providing quality patient care, there are several different types of nurses with specialized focuses. Acute care nursing involves providing care for patients with acute medical conditions and illnesses.

Responsibilities

Acute care nurses typically care for patients with acute health issues such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome and shock. Acute care nursing also involves caring for patients before and after surgery, diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures.

Locations

Acute care nurses commonly work in emergency rooms, operating rooms, critical care units, doctor's offices and walk-in health clinics.

Patients

Acute care nurses can work with a wide variety of patients, including newborns, children, adolescents adults and elderly people. Acute care nursing is essential for all ages and types of people.

Function

Due to the intensive nature of acute care departments, acute care nurses must constantly assess and evaluate their patients' conditions. After assessment, acute care nurses should then evaluate whether treatments are working and determine whether any changes need to be made.

Training

Acute care nurses require the same amount of education as any other registered nurse. However, an acute care nurse will likely be required to spend a significant amount of time training in the acute care setting before holding the position.

Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses

All Nursing Schools: Become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Care Plans: What Is A Care Plan