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Acute Care Nurses - 29-1141.01

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Cardiac Interventional Care Nurse
  • Charge Nurse
  • Preceptor
  • Progressive Care Unit RN (Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse)
  • Staff Nurse

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust settings on patients' assistive devices, such as temporary pacemakers.
  • Administer blood and blood product transfusions or intravenous infusions, monitoring patients for adverse reactions.
  • Analyze the indications, contraindications, risk complications, and cost-benefit tradeoffs of therapeutic interventions.
  • 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.
  • Assess the needs of patients' family members or caregivers.
  • Assess urgent and emergent health conditions, using both physiologically and technologically derived data.
  • Assist patients in organizing their health care system activities.
  • Collaborate with members of multidisciplinary health care teams to plan, manage, or assess patient treatments.
  • Collaborate with patients to plan for future health care needs or to coordinate transitions and referrals.
  • Diagnose acute or chronic conditions that could result in rapid physiological deterioration or life-threatening instability.
  • Discuss illnesses and treatments with patients and family members.
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal developmental and age-related physiological and behavioral changes in acute, critical, and chronic illness.
  • Document data related to patients' care, including assessment results, interventions, medications, patient responses, or treatment changes.
  • Interpret information obtained from electrocardiograms (EKGs) or radiographs (x-rays).
  • Manage patients' pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, monitoring patients' responses, and changing care plans accordingly.
  • Obtain specimens or samples for laboratory work.
  • 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.
  • Participate in patients' care meetings and conferences.
  • Participate in the development of practice protocols.
  • Perform administrative duties that facilitate admission, transfer, or discharge of patients.
  • Perform emergency medical procedures, such as basic cardiac life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and other condition-stabilizing interventions.
  • Prescribe medications and observe patients' reactions, modifying prescriptions as needed.
  • Provide formal and informal education to other staff members.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in acute care.
  • Refer patients for specialty consultations or treatments.
  • Set up, operate, or monitor invasive equipment and devices, such as colostomy or tracheotomy equipment, mechanical ventilators, catheters, gastrointestinal tubes, and central lines.
  • Treat wounds or superficial lacerations.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Adjust prostheses or other assistive devices.
  • Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
  • Administer blood or other fluids intravenously.
  • Advise patients on healthcare system processes.
  • Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
  • Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
  • Assess patient work, living, or social environments.
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
  • Collect biological specimens from patients.
  • Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
  • Diagnose medical conditions.
  • Establish nursing policies or standards.
  • Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
  • Evaluate treatment options to guide medical decisions.
  • Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
  • Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
  • Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.
  • Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
  • Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
  • Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
  • Prescribe medications.
  • Process healthcare paperwork.
  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
  • Train medical providers.
  • Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.
  • Treat medical emergencies.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Aeromedical Nurse Practitioner (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Certified Nurse Midwife (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Family Nurse Practitioner (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Aerospace Medical Service (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Army Public Health Nurse (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Clinical Nurse (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Clinical Nurse, Critical Care (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Clinical Nurse, Emergency/Trauma (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Clinical Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Clinical Nurse, Obstetrical (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Clinical Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Clinical Nurse, Staff Development (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Clinical Specialist, Nursing (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Combat Medic Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Critical Care Medicine (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesia (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Critical Care Medicine, Neurology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Critical Care Medicine, Pediatrics (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Critical Care Medicine, Surgery (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Critical Care Nurse (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Critical Care Nursing (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Deep Sea Diving Independent Duty Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Craftsman, Dental Hygienist (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Journeyman, Dental Hygienist (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Emergency Medical Specialist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Emergency Nursing (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Emergency Physician (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Emergency Services Physician (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Emergency Services Physician, Emergency Medicine Specialist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Emergency/Trauma Nurse (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Field Medical Service Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Field Surgeon (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Fleet Marine Force Reconnaissance Independent Duty Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Flight Nurse (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • General Medical Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Generalist Nurse (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Health Services Management (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Craftsman, Health Information Technology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Journeyman, Health Information Technology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Hemodialysis Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hemodialysis/Apheresis Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hospital Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hospital Corpsman Basic (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hospitalman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Medical Administration Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Medical Corps Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Medical Deep Sea Diving Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Medical Surgical Nurse (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Mental Health Nurse (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Special Operations Tactical Medic (SO-TM) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Nurse Anesthetist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Nurse Anesthetist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Nurse Corps Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nurse (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Operating Room Nurse (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Orthopedic Cast Room Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Orthopedic Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Orthopedic Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pararescue Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Perioperative Nurse (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Perioperative Nurse (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Practical Nursing Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Professional Registered Nurse (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Psychiatric/Behavioral Health Nurse (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Psychiatric/Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioner (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pulmonary Disease/Critical Care Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • SC - Nurse Corps - General (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Search and Rescue Medical Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Force Independent Duty Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Sugical Technologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surgical Technologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Urology Technician (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Nurse, General Duty