Occupation profile

Acute Care Nurses

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.

Bright Outlook

Median Wage

$93,600/yr • $45.00/hr

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Full Occupation Profile
Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.

Education
Bachelor's degree: 57%
Associate's degree: 19%
Post-baccalaureate certificate: 10%
Skills

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Actively looking for ways to help people.

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

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.

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Teaching others how to do something.

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge Areas

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.

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.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

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.

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

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.

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

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).

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

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).

The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

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.

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.

The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

The ability to see details at a distance.

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

The ability to see under low-light conditions.

The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

Work Context

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

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?

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

How much does this job require standing?

How much does this job require walking or running?

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

Duration of Typical Work Week
43

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

How much does this job require sitting?

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

How automated is the job?

Work Schedules
12

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

Technology Skills

Presentation software

Electronic mail software

Spreadsheet software

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Office suite software

Word processing software

Data base user interface and query software

Project management software

Tools and Equipment

Surgical clamps or clips or forceps

Emergency or resuscitation carts

Cardiac pacemaker generators or cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers CRT-P

Diagnostic or interventional vascular catheters for general use

Clinical incubators or infant warmers

Cardiac output CO monitoring units

ASTM rated surgical masks/ tie back mask

Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes or scope sets

Thoracentesis sets or trays

Medical staplers for external use

Enteral feeding infusion pump tubing sets

Blood pressure cuff kits

Medical nasal oxygen catheters or catheterization kits

Endotracheal or tracheotomy sets

Acute care fetal or maternal monitoring units

Intravenous infusion pumps for general use

Eye charts or vision cards

Mobile medical services automated external defibrillators AED or hard paddles

Pleural cavity drainage units or containers

Intermittent positive pressure breathing IPPB machines

Tympanic medical thermometers

Glucose monitors or meters

Manual resuscitators

Arterial line catheters

Tongue depressors or blades or sticks

Medical aspiration or irrigation syringes

Electrocardiography EKG units

Pulse oximeter units

Patient shifting boards

Medical ultrasound or doppler or echocardiograph transducer

Finger ring removers or cutters

Ostomy appliances

Suturing kits or trays or packs or sets

Gurneys or scissor lifts

Reflex hammers or mallets

Arterial blood gas monitors

Cast cutters or saws

Electronic blood pressure units

Medication or pill dispensers

Vascular or compression socks

Intracranial pressure ICP monitoring units

Nasal exam specula or dilators

Medical tuning forks

Medical staff isolation or cover gowns

Perfusion oxygen or hematocrit saturation monitors

Nasopharyngeal tubes or airways

Pericardiocentesis needles or kits

Medical acoustic stethoscopes

Nitrile medical exam or non surgical procedure gloves

Notebook computer

Autotransfusion units

Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use

Enema kits

Endotracheal tubes

Otological instruments

Mobile medical services spine boards

Surgical scalpels or knives or blades or trephines

Endoscopic hemostatic balloons or needles or tubes or accessories

Surgical drains or drain sets

Electrosurgical or electrocautery equipment

Ophthalmic irrigation or aspiration supplies

Multiparameter vital sign units

Endoscopic instrument sets

Surgical shave kits or prep razors or clippers

Medical ultrasound or doppler or echocardiograph transducer accessories

Intubation forceps

Laboratory graduated cylinders

Patient floor scales

Latex intermittent urinary catheterization kits

Anesthesia nerve block kit or tray

Therapeutic heating or cooling blankets or drapes

Walkers or rollators

Clinical trapeze bars

Ultraviolet UV lamps

Blood collection syringes

Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers

Suture removal kits or trays or packs or sets

Desktop computer

Orthopedic splint systems

Flow sensors or regulators or components

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation units

Intubator components

Urinalysis analyzers

Orthopedic traction hardware or weights

Patient stabilization or fall prevention devices

Medical oxygen masks or parts

Patient care beds for specialty care

Skin staple removers or kits

Specimen collection container

Cast or splint carts or stands

Tablet computer

Medical syringes with needle

Electrocardiography EKG transmitters or telemetry devices

Wheelchairs

    Apnea monitors

      Microscope slides

        Nasogastric tubes

          Breast pumps

            Lancets

              Crutches

                Bedpans

                  Oxygen concentrators

                    End tidal carbon dioxide monitors

                      Vaginal exam speculas

                        Tourniquets

                          Bronchoscopes

                            Ophthalmic slit lamps

                              Umbilical catheters

                                Ophthalmic tonometers

                                  Urinalysis test strips

                                    Surgical irrigation sets

                                      Detailed Work Activities
                                      Work Styles
                                      Attention to Detail
                                      100

                                      A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

                                      Stress Tolerance
                                      100

                                      A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

                                      Dependability
                                      98

                                      A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

                                      Cooperation
                                      90

                                      A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

                                      Self-Control
                                      88

                                      A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

                                      Cautiousness
                                      83

                                      A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

                                      Integrity
                                      82

                                      A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

                                      Perseverance
                                      82

                                      A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

                                      Empathy
                                      79

                                      A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

                                      Adaptability
                                      75

                                      A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

                                      Sincerity
                                      67

                                      A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

                                      Achievement Orientation
                                      66

                                      A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

                                      Self-Confidence
                                      65

                                      A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

                                      Social Orientation
                                      65

                                      A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

                                      Intellectual Curiosity
                                      63

                                      A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

                                      Tolerance for Ambiguity
                                      58

                                      A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

                                      Initiative
                                      56

                                      A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

                                      Leadership Orientation
                                      46

                                      A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

                                      Optimism
                                      45

                                      A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

                                      Innovation
                                      37

                                      A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

                                      Humility
                                      30

                                      A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

                                      Work Values

                                      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.

                                      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.

                                      Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

                                      Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

                                      Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

                                      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.

                                      Reference

                                      O*NET in-it

                                      This page includes information from the O*NET Career Exploration Tools by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the O*NET Tools Developer License. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Beesla has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.