Acute Care Nurses
Tasks Include:
- Analyze the indications, contraindications, risk complications, and cost-benefit tradeoffs of therapeutic interventions.
- Diagnose acute or chronic conditions that could result in rapid physiological deterioration or life-threatening instability.
- Distinguish between normal and abnormal developmental and age-related physiological and behavioral changes in acute, critical, and chronic illness.
- Manage patients' pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, monitoring patients' responses, and changing care plans accordingly.
- Interpret information obtained from electrocardiograms (EKGs) or radiographs (x-rays).
- Perform emergency medical procedures, such as basic cardiac life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and other condition-stabilizing interventions.
- Assess urgent and emergent health conditions, using both physiologically and technologically derived data.
- Adjust settings on patients' assistive devices, such as temporary pacemakers.
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +8.3%
National: +6.2%
Education
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Job Zone:
Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Median Earnings:
National
$81,220.00
State
$79,700.00
Regional
Acute Care Nurses
Description
Career Cluster: | Health Science |
Provide advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. May care for pre- and post-operative patients or perform advanced, invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Education
Required Level of Education
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 50%
- Bachelor's Degree = 39.29%
- Master's Degree = 7.14%
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) = 3.57%
Related Work Experience
- None = 57.14%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 21.43%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 10.71%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 3.57%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 3.57%
- Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 3.57%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 25%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 25%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 25%
- Up to and including 1 month = 21.43%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 3.57%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 40.74%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 29.63%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 22.22%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 7.41%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Diagnose acute or chronic conditions that could result in rapid physiological deterioration or life-threatening instability.
- Distinguish between normal and abnormal developmental and age-related physiological and behavioral changes in acute, critical, and chronic illness.
- Manage patients' pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, monitoring patients' responses, and changing care plans accordingly.
- Interpret information obtained from electrocardiograms (EKGs) or radiographs (x-rays).
- Perform emergency medical procedures, such as basic cardiac life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and other condition-stabilizing interventions.
- Assess urgent and emergent health conditions, using both physiologically and technologically derived data.
- Assess the impact of illnesses or injuries on patients' health, function, growth, development, nutrition, sleep, rest, quality of life, or family, social and educational relationships.
- Collaborate with members of multidisciplinary health care teams to plan, manage, or assess patient treatments.
- Discuss illnesses and treatments with patients and family members.
- Document data related to patients' care, including assessment results, interventions, medications, patient responses, or treatment changes.
- Treat wounds or superficial lacerations.
- Set up, operate, or monitor invasive equipment and devices, such as colostomy or tracheotomy equipment, mechanical ventilators, catheters, gastrointestinal tubes, and central lines.
- Obtain specimens or samples for laboratory work.
- Participate in patients' care meetings and conferences.
- Refer patients for specialty consultations or treatments.
- Administer blood and blood product transfusions or intravenous infusions, monitoring patients for adverse reactions.
- Assess the needs of patients' family members or caregivers.
- Collaborate with patients to plan for future health care needs or to coordinate transitions and referrals.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in acute care.
- Participate in the development of practice protocols.
- Perform administrative duties that facilitate admission, transfer, or discharge of patients.
- Provide formal and informal education to other staff members.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Analyze the indications, contraindications, risk complications, and cost-benefit tradeoffs of therapeutic interventions.
- Adjust settings on patients' assistive devices, such as temporary pacemakers.
- Order, perform, or interpret the results of diagnostic tests and screening procedures based on assessment results, differential diagnoses, and knowledge about age, gender and health status of clients.
- Prescribe medications and observe patients' reactions, modifying prescriptions as needed.
- Assist patients in organizing their health care system activities.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Floor grade forceps or hemostats (Alligator forceps)
- Diagnostic or interventional vascular catheters or sets (Angiocaths)
- Apnea monitors or accessories (Apnea monitors)
- Arterial blood gas monitors or accessories (Arterial blood gas testing equipment)
- Arterial line catheters
- Automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles (Automated external defibrillators AED)
- Medication or pill dispensers or accessories (Automated medicine dispensing equipment)
- Autotransfusion units (Autotransfusion systems)
- Spine boards (Backboards)
- Bedpans for general use (Bedpans)
- Non invasive bi level machines (Bilevel positive airway pressure BiPAP ventilators)
- Blood collection syringes (Blood drawing syringes)
- Glucose monitors or meters (Blood glucose monitoring equipment)
- Electronic blood pressure units (Blood pressure monitors)
- Breast pumps or its accessories (Breast pumps)
- Bronchoscopes or accessories (Bronchoscopes)
- Medical aspiration or irrigation syringes (Bulb syringes)
- Cardiac output CO monitoring units or accessories (Cardiac monitors)
- Cast or splint carts (Cast carts)
- Cast cutters or saws (Cast cutting saws)
- Pleural cavity drainage unit or accessories (Chest drains)
- Clinical trapeze bars (Clinical trapeze traction bars)
- Emergency or resuscitation carts (Crash carts)
- Crutches or crutch accessories (Crutches)
- Desktop computers
- Medical tuning forks (Diagnostic tuning forks)
- Electronic medical thermometers (Digital medical thermometers)
- Cardiac ultrasound or doppler or echo units or cardioscopes (Doppler ultrasound equipment)
- Otological instruments or accessories (Ear curettes)
- Electrocardiography EKG units (Electrocardiography EKG machines)
- Nebulizers or accessories (Electronic compressor nebulizers)
- Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment or accessories or related products (Electrosurgical cauterization machines)
- End tidal carbon dioxide monitors or supplies (End tidal carbon dioxide monitors)
- Endotracheal tubes (Endotracheal ET tubes)
- Enema kits or accessories (Enema equipment)
- Enteral feeding infusion pump tubing sets (Enteral feeding sets)
- Epidural trays or accessories (Epidural catheters)
- Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers (Evacuated blood collection tubes)
- Ophthalmic irrigation or aspiration supplies or accessories (Eye lavage kits)
- Acute care fetal or maternal monitoring units or accessories (Fetal monitors)
- Flexible endoscopes or accessories or related products (Fiberoptic endoscopes)
- Laboratory graduated cylinders (Graduated glass laboratory cylinders)
- Nebulizers or accessories (Handheld nebulizers)
- Cardiac output CO monitoring units or accessories (Hemodynamic monitors)
- Therapeutic heating or cooling blankets or drapes (Hyper/hypothermia blankets)
- Medical syringes with needles (Hypodermic syringes)
- Spirometers or its accessories or its supplies (Incentive spirometers)
- Medical incision drainage bags or reservoirs (Incision drainage equipment)
- Intracranial pressure ICP monitoring units or accessories (Intracranial pressure monitors)
- Intravenous infusion pumps for general use (Intravenous infusion pumps)
- Intravenous or arterial catheter trays (Intravenous IV administration sets)
- Intravenous or arterial catheter trays (Intravenous IV cutdown trays)
- Intubator components or accessories (Intubation sets)
- Clinical incubators or infant warmers (Isolettes)
- Suturing kits or trays or packs or sets (Laceration repair trays)
- Lancets
- Notebook computers (Laptop computers)
- Intubation forceps (Magill forceps)
- Manual resuscitators (Manual resuscitation bags)
- Intermittent positive pressure breathing IPPB machines (Mechanical intermittent positive pressure ventilators)
- Mechanical stethoscopes or accessories (Mechanical stethoscopes)
- Medical exam or non surgical procedure gloves (Medical examination protective gloves)
- Gurneys or scissor lifts (Medical gurneys)
- Patient floor scales (Medical scales)
- Microscope slides
- Central venous catheters (Multiple lumen central line catheters)
- Medical nasal catheters or catheterization kits (Nasal catheters)
- Nasal exam specula or dilators (Nasal specula)
- Suction kits (Nasal suctioning equipment)
- Nasogastric tubes
- Nasopharyngeal tubes (Nasopharyngeal airways)
- Clinical incubators or infant warmers (Newborn warming lamps)
- Surgical clamps or clips or forceps or accessories (Occlusion clamps)
- Ophthalmic slit lamps
- Ophthalmic tonometers or accessories (Ophthalmic tonometers)
- Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets (Ophthalmoscopes)
- Suction kits (Oral suctioning equipment)
- Orthopedic splint systems (Orthopedic splinting equipment)
- Ostomy appliances (Ostomy equipment)
- Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets (Otoscopes)
- Oxygen concentrators
- Medical oxygen masks or parts (Oxygen delivery masks)
- Flow sensors or regulators or components (Oxygen flowmeters)
- Patient stabilization or fall prevention devices or accessories (Patient restraints)
- Walkers or rollators (Patient walkers)
- Emergency or resuscitation carts (Pediatric crash carts)
- Pericardiocentesis needles or kits or accessories (Pericardiocentesis kits)
- Tablet crushers or accessories (Pill crushers)
- Tablet crushers or accessories (Pill splitters)
- Vascular or compression apparel or supports (Pneumatic boots)
- Medical staff isolation or surgical masks (Protective face shields)
- Medical staff isolation or cover gowns (Protective gowns)
- Medical staff isolation or surgical masks (Protective medical face masks)
- Diagnostic or interventional vascular catheters or sets (Pulmonary artery catheters)
- Pulse oximeter units (Pulse oximeters)
- Reflex hammers or mallets (Reflex hammers)
- Finger ring removers (Ring cutters)
- Floor grade forceps or hemostats (Ring forceps)
- Goggles (Safety goggles)
- Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use (Sandbags)
- Staplers for skin closure (Skin staplers)
- Patient care beds or accessories for specialty care (Specialty patient care beds)
- Specimen collectors (Specimen collection containers)
- Blood pressure cuff kits (Sphygmomanometers)
- Floor grade forceps or hemostats (Straight hemostats)
- Surgical scissors (Straight surgical scissors)
- Surgical irrigation sets or accessories (Surgical irrigation sets)
- Surgical shave kits or prep razors or clippers (Surgical razors)
- Surgical scalpels or knives or blades or trephines or accessories (Surgical scalpels)
- Medical staple or clip removers (Surgical staple removers)
- Suture removal kits or trays or packs or sets (Suture removal kits)
- Arterial line catheters (Swan Ganz artery catheters)
- Tablet computers
- Electrocardiography EKG transmitter or telemetry or accessories (Telemetry monitors)
- Thoracentesis sets or trays (Thoracentesis kits)
- Thoracentesis sets or trays (Thoracentesis trays)
- Tongue depressors or blades or sticks (Tongue blades)
- Tourniquets
- Suction kits (Tracheal suctioning equipment)
- Endotracheal or tracheotomy sets (Tracheotomy sets)
- Orthopedic traction hardware or weights (Traction weights)
- Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation units (Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation TENS equipment)
- Cardiac pacemaker generators or implantable defibrillators or accessories (Transcutaneous pacemakers)
- Patient shifting boards or accessories (Transfer boards)
- Transport or mobile multiparameter vital sign units or accessories (Transport cardiac monitors)
- Cardiac pacemaker generators or implantable defibrillators or accessories (Transvenous pacemakers)
- Medical ultrasound or doppler or echo transducers or accessories (Ultrasound transducers)
- Umbilical catheters
- Urinalysis test strips
- Urinary catheterization kits or accessories (Urinary catheters)
- Urinalysis analyzers (Urine analysis equipment)
- Vaginal exam specula
- Perfusion oxygen or hematocrit saturation monitors or accessories (Venous Oxygen Saturation SVO2 monitors)
- Eye charts or vision cards (Visual acuity charts)
- Wheelchairs
- Ultraviolet UV lamps (Wood's lamps)
Technologies Include:
- Medical software
- Allscripts Professional EHR
- Amkai AmkaiCharts
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR System
- Cerner Millennium
- ChartWare software
- e-MDs software
- eClinicalWorks software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Medscribbler Enterprise
- MicroFour PracticeStudio.NET EMR
- NextGen Healthcare Information Systems EMR
- SOAPware software
- StatCom Patient Flow Logistics Enterprise Suite
- SynaMed EMR
- Texas Medical Software SpringCharts EMR
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Special Requirements
General Education and Training Requirements:
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There are three typical educational paths to registered nursing—a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), and a diploma. BSN programs, offered by colleges and universities, take about 4 years to complete. ADN programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take about 2 to 3 years to complete. Diploma programs, administered in hospitals, last about 3 years. Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of educational programs qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse. There are hundreds of registered nursing programs that result in an ADN or BSN; however, there are relatively few diploma programs.
Individuals considering a career in nursing should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of enrolling in each type of education program. Advancement opportunities may be more limited for ADN and diploma holders compared to RNs who obtain a BSN or higher. Individuals who complete a bachelor's degree receive more training in areas such as communication, leadership, and critical thinking, all of which are becoming more important as nursing practice becomes more complex. Additionally, bachelor's degree programs offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. A bachelor's or higher degree is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching
Many RNs with an ADN or diploma later enter bachelor's degree programs to prepare for a broader scope of nursing practice. Often, they can find an entry-level position and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement benefits to work toward a BSN by completing an RN-to-BSN program. Accelerated master's degrees in nursing (MSN) programs are also available. They typically take 3-4 years to complete full time and result in the award of both the BSN and MSN.
There are education programs available for people interested in switching to a career in nursing as well. Individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field may enroll in an accelerated BSN program. Accelerated BSN programs last 12 to 18 months and provide the fastest route to a BSN for individuals who already hold a degree. MSN programs also are available for individuals who hold a bachelor's or higher degree in another field; master’s degree programs usually last 2 years.
All nursing education programs include classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Students take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other behavioral sciences, and nursing. Coursework also includes the liberal arts for ADN and BSN students.
Supervised clinical experience is provided in hospital departments such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity, and surgery. A number of programs include clinical experience in nursing care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies, and ambulatory clinics.
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Licensure and certification:
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All registered nurses must pass a written exam as required by the Board of Nursing. In order to apply to take the exam, an applicant must:
A. File the required application, any necessary documentation and fee no later than 60 days prior to the first day of the month in which the applicant expects to take the examination. B. Arrange for the board to receive an official transcript from the nursing education program which shows either: a. That the degree or diploma has been awarded, or
b. That all requirements for awarding the degree or diploma have been met and specifies the date of conferral. C. File a new application and reapplication fee if:
a. The examination is not taken within six months of the date that the Board determines the applicant to be eligible; or
b. Eligibility is not established within six months of the original filing date. D. The minimum passing standard on the examination for registered nurse licensure and practical nurse licensure shall be determined by the board.
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Licensure by examination:
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A. The board shall authorize the administration of examinations for registered nurse licensure and examinations for practical nurse licensure.
B. A candidate shall be eligible to take the examination (i) upon receipt by the board of the completed application, fee and an official transcript from the nursing education program; and (ii) when a determination has been made that no grounds exist upon which the board may deny licensure pursuant to the Code of Virginia.
C. To establish eligibility for licensure by examination, an applicant for the licensing examination shall:
1. File the required application, any necessary documentation and fee.
2. Arrange for the board to receive an official transcript from the nursing education program which shows either:
a. That the degree or diploma has been awarded and the date of graduation or conferral; or
b. That all requirements for awarding the degree or diploma have been met and specifies the date of conferral.
3. File a new application and reapplication fee if:
a. The examination is not taken within six months of the date that the board determines the applicant to be eligible; or
b. Eligibility is not established within six months of the original filing date.
D. The minimum passing standard on the examination for registered nurse licensure and practical nurse licensure shall be determined by the board.
E. Any applicant suspected of giving or receiving unauthorized assistance during the examination may be noticed for a hearing pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) to determine eligibility for licensure or reexamination.
F. Practice of nursing pending receipt of examination results.
1. A graduate who has filed a completed application for licensure in Virginia and has received an authorization letter issued by the board may practice nursing in Virginia from the date of the authorization letter. The period of practice shall not exceed 90 days between the date of successful completion of the nursing education program, as documented on the applicant's transcript, and the publication of the results of the candidate's first licensing examination.
2. Candidates who practice nursing as provided in subdivision 1 of this subsection shall use the designation "R.N. Applicant" or "L.P.N. Applicant" on a nametag or when signing official records.
3. The designations "R.N. Applicant" and "L.P.N. Applicant" shall not be used by applicants who either do not take the examination within 90 days following receipt of the authorization letter from the board or who have failed the examination.
G. Applicants who fail the examination.
1. An applicant who fails the licensing examination shall not be licensed or be authorized to practice nursing in Virginia.
2. An applicant for licensure by reexamination shall file the required application and reapplication fee no later than 60 days prior to the first day of the month in which the applicant expects to take the examination in order to establish eligibility.
3. Applicants who have failed the examination for licensure in another U.S. jurisdiction but satisfy the qualifications for licensure in this jurisdiction may apply for licensure by examination in Virginia. Such applicants shall submit the required application and fee. Such applicants shall not, however, be permitted to practice nursing in Virginia until the requisite license has been issued.
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Licensure by endorsement:
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A. A graduate of an approved nursing education program who has been licensed by examination in another U.S. jurisdiction and whose license is in good standing, or is eligible for reinstatement, if lapsed, shall be eligible for licensure by endorsement in Virginia, provided the applicant satisfies the same requirements for registered nurse or practical nurse licensure as those seeking initial licensure in Virginia.
1. A graduate of a nursing school in Canada where English was the primary language shall be eligible for licensure by endorsement provided the applicant has passed the Canadian Registered Nurses Examination (CRNE) and holds an unrestricted license in Canada.
2. An applicant for licensure by endorsement who has not passed NCLEX may only be issued a single state license to practice in Virginia.
B. An applicant for licensure by endorsement who has submitted the required application and fee and submitted the required form to the appropriate credentialing agency for verification of licensure may practice for 30 days upon receipt of an authorization letter from the board. If an applicant has not received a Virginia license within 30 days and wishes to continue practice, he shall seek an extension of authorization to practice by submitting a request and evidence that he has requested verification of licensure.
C. If the application is not completed within one year of the initial filing date, the applicant shall submit a new application and fee.
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Required Fees:
Application for licensure by examination
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$130.00
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Application for licensure by endorsement
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$130.00
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Reapplication for licensure by examination
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$25.00
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Biennial licensure renewal
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$95.00
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Late renewal
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$35.00
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Reinstatement of lapsed license
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$145.00
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Reinstatement of suspended or revoked license
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$185.00
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Application for CNS registration
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$95.00
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Biennial renewal of CNS registration
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$60.00
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Reinstatement of lapsed CNS registration
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$105.00
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Verification of CNS registration to another jurisdiction
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$25.00
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Late renewal of CNS registration
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$20.00
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Inactive licensure renewal
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$50.00
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Late renewal of an inactive license
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$15.00
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Knowledge
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
91.00 | Medicine and Dentistry | Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. |
84.00 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
82.25 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
78.50 | Education and Training | Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
76.75 | Psychology | Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. |
71.50 | Therapy and Counseling | Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance. |
59.75 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
58.00 | Biology | Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment. |
51.75 | Sociology and Anthropology | Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Skills
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
75.00 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
75.00 | Active Listening | Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
75.00 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
75.00 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
75.00 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
75.00 | Social Perceptiveness | Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
75.00 | Service Orientation | Actively looking for ways to help people. |
68.75 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
68.75 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
68.75 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
68.75 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
62.50 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
59.50 | Instructing | Teaching others how to do something. |
53.00 | Learning Strategies | Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. |
53.00 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
50.00 | Persuasion | Persuading others to change their minds or behavior. |
50.00 | Negotiation | Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences. |
50.00 | Management of Personnel Resources | Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. |
50.00 | Operations Monitoring | Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
50.00 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
50.00 | Systems Evaluation | Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
50.00 | Science | Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Abilities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
78.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
78.00 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem. |
75.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
75.00 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
75.00 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
75.00 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
75.00 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
75.00 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
72.00 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
72.00 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
68.75 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
53.00 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
53.00 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
50.00 | Fluency of Ideas | The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). |
50.00 | Originality | The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
50.00 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
50.00 | Time Sharing | The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources). |
50.00 | Visual Color Discrimination | The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Work Activities
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
94.50 | Assisting and Caring for Others | Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
94.50 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
87.00 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
85.50 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
84.25 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
83.25 | Performing for or Working Directly with the Public | Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
79.75 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
78.75 | Working with Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
78.00 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
77.75 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
76.75 | Developing and Building Teams | Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
76.00 | Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings | Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
76.00 | Performing General Physical Activities | Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
75.00 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
74.00 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
73.25 | Handling and Moving Objects | Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
72.00 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
71.25 | Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others | Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
71.25 | Training and Teaching Others | Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
70.25 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
67.50 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
67.50 | Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates | Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
66.25 | Coaching and Developing Others | Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
62.00 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
60.25 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
56.50 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
54.75 | Staffing Organizational Units | Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization. |
51.75 | Controlling Machines and Processes | Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
51.75 | Developing Objectives and Strategies | Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
51.75 | Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People | Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
51.00 | Performing Administrative Activities | Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Work Styles
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
97.25 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
96.50 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. |
93.75 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
93.75 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
92.75 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
92.75 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
92.00 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
90.25 | Self-Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
85.75 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
84.75 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
81.25 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
77.75 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
77.75 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
77.75 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
74.00 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
62.50 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Work Values
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
88.83 | Relationships | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
77.83 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
77.83 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
69.50 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
61.17 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
55.50 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Work Context
% | Subject | Description |
---|---|---|
100.00 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
100.00 | Exposed to Disease or Infections | How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections? |
99.20 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
97.00 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
97.00 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
96.20 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
96.20 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
95.40 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
95.40 | Consequence of Error | How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable? |
93.00 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
92.40 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer? |
91.20 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
90.40 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
89.60 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
87.60 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
86.00 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
84.80 | Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets? |
83.00 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
81.40 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
80.00 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
77.60 | Frequency of Conflict Situations | How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job? |
75.60 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
75.60 | Spend Time Standing | How much does this job require standing? |
75.60 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
71.20 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
71.20 | Spend Time Walking and Running | How much does this job require walking and running? |
71.20 | Exposed to Contaminants | How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)? |
71.20 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
60.80 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
60.00 | Deal With Physically Aggressive People | How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals? |
58.60 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
58.40 | Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection? |
57.80 | Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions? |
56.80 | Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body | How much does this job require bending or twisting your body? |
50.00 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
- Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Earnings Benefits*
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
---|---|---|---|
United States | $61,250.00 | $81,220.00 | $101,100.00 |
Virginia | $61,970.00 | $79,700.00 | $93,320.00 |
Region | Entry Level | Median | Experienced |
Alexandria/Arlington | $76,915.89 | $87,805.96 | $105,912.12 |
Bay Consortium | $67,527.39 | $83,490.22 | $98,713.69 |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $61,526.27 | $79,177.60 | $87,795.58 |
Central VA/Region2000 | $61,081.82 | $77,059.19 | $84,188.05 |
Crater Area | $64,368.47 | $82,433.10 | $92,257.73 |
Greater Peninsula | $63,752.68 | $82,413.36 | $94,213.11 |
Hampton Roads | $63,976.98 | $82,661.55 | $90,682.43 |
New River/Mt. Rogers | $54,315.37 | $68,396.56 | $79,691.63 |
Northern Virginia | $74,053.96 | $88,151.76 | $106,228.85 |
Piedmont Workforce | $63,612.49 | $84,281.51 | $95,900.57 |
Shenandoah Valley | No Data | No Data | No Data |
South Central | $60,619.72 | $78,809.99 | $84,892.11 |
Southwestern Virginia | $50,432.66 | $66,515.95 | $77,559.72 |
West Piedmont | $56,903.16 | $76,656.28 | $84,966.88 |
Western Virginia | $62,911.54 | $78,989.64 | $84,829.80 |
* Earnings Calculations:
Regional Earnings:
Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.
National and State Earnings:
Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Employment Projections
Current | Projected | % Change | |
---|---|---|---|
United States | 3,130,600 | 3,326,000 | +6.2% |
Virginia | 67,341 | 72,897 | +8.3% |
Region | Current* | Projected | % Change |
Alexandria/Arlington | 2,424 | 2,466 | +1.7% |
Bay Consortium | 2,572 | 2,990 | +16.3% |
Capital Region Workforce Partnership | 12,832 | 12,811 | -0.2% |
Central VA/Region2000 | 2,468 | 2,167 | -12.2% |
Crater Area | 1,329 | 1,393 | +4.8% |
Greater Peninsula | 4,897 | 4,941 | +0.9% |
Hampton Roads | 11,819 | 11,990 | +1.4% |
New River/Mt. Rogers | 2,429 | 2,454 | +1.0% |
Northern Virginia | 14,773 | 14,670 | -0.7% |
Piedmont Workforce | 4,039 | 4,288 | +6.2% |
Shenandoah Valley | 4,376 | 4,773 | +9.1% |
South Central | 852 | 885 | +3.9% |
Southwestern Virginia | 1,029 | 992 | -3.6% |
West Piedmont | 1,018 | 1,086 | +6.7% |
Western Virginia | 5,053 | 4,850 | -4.0% |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Registered Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Nurse Midwives
- Paramedics
- Respiratory Therapists
- Nursing Assistants
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Cardiologists
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Physician Assistants
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Anesthesiologists
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Physical Therapists
Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:
- Acupuncturists
- Acute Care Nurses
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Allergists and Immunologists
- Anesthesiologist Assistants
- Anesthesiologists
- Art Therapists
- Athletic Trainers
- Audiologists
- Cardiologists
- Chiropractors
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Critical Care Nurses
- Dental Assistants
- Dental Hygienists
- Dentists, All Other Specialists
- Dentists, General
- Dermatologists
- Dietetic Technicians
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Exercise Physiologists
- Family Medicine Physicians
- General Internal Medicine Physicians
- Genetic Counselors
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other
- Hearing Aid Specialists
- Home Health Aides
- Hospitalists
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
- Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
- Medical Assistants
- Midwives
- Music Therapists
- Naturopathic Physicians
- Neurologists
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Nurse Midwives
- Nurse Practitioners
- Nursing Assistants
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
- Opticians, Dispensing
- Optometrists
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Orthodontists
- Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
- Orthoptists
- Orthotists and Prosthetists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Pediatricians, General
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Physical Therapist Aides
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Physician Assistants
- Physicians, All Other
- Physicians, Pathologists
- Podiatrists
- Preventive Medicine Physicians
- Prosthodontists
- Psychiatric Aides
- Psychiatric Technicians
- Psychiatrists
- Radiation Therapists
- Radiologists
- Recreational Therapists
- Registered Nurses
- Respiratory Therapists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Sports Medicine Physicians
- Surgeons, All Other
- Surgical Technologists
- Therapists, All Other
- Urologists
- Veterinarians
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
View Videos
CareerOneStop Video
View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop Health Science Videos
Overview
Occupations
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Community Health Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Emergency/Trauma Nurse
- Flight Nurse
- General Nursing
- Medical/Surgical Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Service Administration
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Operating Room Nurse
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Titles
- Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Acute Care Nurse
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Manager
- Nursing Director
- Pediatric Acute Care Unit Nurse
- Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)
Acute Care Nurses
Related Schools
- American National University
- Averett University
- Blue Ridge Community College
- Bluefield University
- Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
- Brightpoint Community College
- Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach
- Centra College
- Central Virginia Community College
- Chamberlain University-Virginia
- Dabney S Lancaster Community College
- Danville Community College
- Eastern Mennonite University
- Eastern Virginia Career College
- ECPI University
- Emory & Henry College
- Ferrum College
- Fortis College-Norfolk
- Fortis College-Richmond
- George Mason University
- Germanna Community College
- Hampton University
- J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
- James Madison University
- Laurel Ridge Community College
- Liberty University
- Longwood University
- Mary Baldwin University
- Marymount University
- Mountain Empire Community College
- New River Community College
- Norfolk State University
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Old Dominion University
- Patrick Henry Community College
- Paul D Camp Community College
- Piedmont Virginia Community College
- Radford University
- Randolph-Macon College
- Rappahannock Community College
- Regent University
- Riverside College of Health Careers
- Sentara College of Health Sciences
- Shenandoah University
- South University-Richmond
- South University-Virginia Beach
- Southside College of Health Sciences
- Southside Virginia Community College
- Southwest Virginia Community College
- Standard Healthcare Services-College of Nursing
- Stratford University
- Strayer University-Virginia
- Tidewater Community College
- University of Lynchburg
- University of Mary Washington
- University of Virginia's College at Wise
- University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Highlands Community College
- Virginia Peninsula Community College
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Western Community College
- Wytheville Community College
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet28)