Acute Care Nurses
Acute care nurses provide specialized nursing care to patients with life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, severe respiratory distress, or shock. They work primarily in intensive care units (ICUs) and operating rooms, monitoring vital signs, administering medications and treatments, and performing advanced procedures. These nurses support patients through critical medical events and recovery.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against acute care nurses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Acute care nurses typically manage a small number of critically ill patients, monitoring vital signs and equipment constantly. A week includes administering medications, assisting with or performing invasive procedures, updating patient records, and communicating with physicians and other specialists about patient status. Nurses also provide emotional support to patients and families during stressful situations. Shifts often include nights, weekends, and on-call hours.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIR. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to excel in this role if you're drawn to solving complex medical problems and understanding how body systems work under stress. You perform well in high-pressure environments, stay calm during emergencies, and genuinely want to help people navigate their most vulnerable moments.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Registered Nurse (Acute Care, 5 East) · Veterans Health Administration · Seattle, Washington · $87285–$161201
- Assistant Nurse Manager- Acute Care · Veterans Health Administration · Tampa, Florida · $105632–$154867
- Registered Nurse - Acute Care · Veterans Health Administration · Syracuse, New York · $81520–$136339
- Registered Nurse - Assistant Nurse Manager, Acute Care Med/Surg · Veterans Health Administration · East Orange, New Jersey · $99128–$166495
- Nurse Manager - Acute Care · Veterans Health Administration · Richmond, Virginia · $98483–$172516
- Registered Nurse - Acute Care Inpatient Telemetry · Veterans Health Administration · Richmond, Virginia · $82228–$163760
- Chief Nurse - Acute Care · Veterans Health Administration · Martinsburg, West Virginia · $150745–$200487
- Registered Nurse - Acute Care · Veterans Health Administration · Northport, New York · $98819–$168074
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $122,440 | $140,270 | $173,170 | 338,940 |
| Hawaii | $101,200 | $136,320 | $144,140 | 12,940 |
| Oregon | $107,220 | $129,010 | $134,420 | 39,730 |
| Washington | $103,100 | $124,200 | $134,240 | 69,260 |
| Alaska | $97,700 | $109,480 | $129,100 | 7,510 |
| New York | $94,840 | $109,440 | $129,660 | 205,810 |
| New Jersey | $99,710 | $106,500 | $127,730 | 92,680 |
| Massachusetts | $87,460 | $104,550 | $136,110 | 88,200 |
| Nevada | $86,850 | $103,670 | $120,270 | 27,070 |
| Connecticut | $86,120 | $102,740 | $121,840 | 40,110 |
| District of Columbia | $85,850 | $102,540 | $127,800 | 11,440 |
| Minnesota | $88,940 | $101,510 | $114,760 | 70,110 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (Pediatric) (CCNS-P) — American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerentology) (ACNPC-AG) — American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Adult Tele-ICU Acute/Critical Care Nursing Certification (CCRN-E) — American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Certified Nephrology Nurse - Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP) — Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission
- Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN) — American Board of Managed Care Nursing
- Certified Continence Care Nurse (CCCN) — Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Certification Board
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against acute care nurses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1141.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.