Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
Critical Care Nurses specialize in providing high-quality nursing care for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). They manage complex patient situations, and administer intensive therapy and intervention.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 5.6% (above average)
Annual job openings: 189,100
Direct AI exposure: 3% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 35% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $98K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $69K per year | $80K per year | $98K per year | $112K per year | $137K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $47K above the national average. | ||||
Critical Care Nurses primarily work in hospital settings, particularly in various types of intensive care units such as medical, surgical, pediatric, neonatal, and cardiac ICUs. The environment is fast-paced and technically complex, often requiring quick decision-making and resilience to high-stress situations.
Critical Care Nurses are integral to the healthcare team in high-stakes environments. They care for the most vulnerable patients who require constant monitoring and specialized care. The role requires a deep understanding of complex patient conditions, the ability to operate advanced medical equipment, and the skills to respond quickly to rapidly changing situations.
In addition to technical skills, Critical Care Nurses must possess strong emotional resilience and the ability to work effectively under pressure. They are often the main point of contact for families of critically ill patients, requiring excellent communication skills and compassion.
The career is demanding but can be incredibly rewarding. Nurses in this field are continually learning and adapting to new medical procedures and technologies. They play a crucial role in patient recovery and have a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families.
To become a Critical Care Nurse, one typically needs a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is a 4-year program, followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Additional training or certification in critical care nursing, which can take 1-2 years, is also highly recommended.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
